(ScientifIC computation) Output from a computation that may not be signifICant but at least indICates that the program is running. Numbers may be used to placate management, grant sponsors, etc. "Making numbers" means running a program because output - any output, not necessarily meaningful output - is needed as a demonstration of progress. See pretty pICtures, math-out, social science number. [Jargon File] (1995-01-13)