kissing number

noun

For a given space, the maximum number of non-overlapping unit spheres that can be arranged in that space such that they each touch a common unit sphere.

Similar
contact numberNewton number
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Meanings

nounkissing number (plural kissing numbers)

plural kissing numbers

  1. geometryFor a given space, the maximum number of non-overlapping unit spheres that can be arranged in that space such that they each touch a common unit sphere.

    Synonyms: contact number, Newton number

Synonyms & antonyms

nounFor a given space, the maximum number of non-overlapping unit spheres that can be arranged in that space such that they each touch a common unit sphere.

Similar
contact numberNewton number
Also see
contact numbernewton number
Cite this entry
APA

kissing number. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/kissing%20number

MLA

“kissing number.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/kissing%20number. Accessed November 5, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “kissing number,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/kissing%20number.

Source: kissing number on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.