3 (three) is a number, numeral and digit. It is the natural number following 2 and preceding 4, and is the smallest odd prime number and the only prime preceding a square number.
Three is the first odd prime number, and the second smallest prime. It is both the first Fermat prime (2 2º + 1) and the first Mersenne prime (2² - 1), as well as the first lucky prime.
The number 3 is a very mystical and spiritual number featured in many folktales (three wishes, three guesses, three little pigs, three bears, three billy goats gruff).
A West Arabic numeral, ultimately from Indic numerals (compare Devanagari ३ (3)), from a cursive form of three lines to represent the number three. See 3 § Evolution of the Arabic digit for more.
Your guide to the number 3, an odd number which is prime. Mathematical info, prime factorization, fun facts and numerical data for STEM, education and fun.
Noun 1. 3 - the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one tercet, ternary, ternion, terzetto, three, threesome, trey, triad, trine, trinity,...