900-number Definition
noun
Name given to telephone numbers in North America for which an extra charge is assessed, part of which is returned to the owner of the number.
Wiktionary
Other Word Forms of 900-number
Noun
Singular:
900-number
Plural:
900-numbersOrigin of 900-number
In the original North American Numbering Plan, phone numbers beginning with an area code of "800" were reserved for so called toll-free numbers, where the party receiving the call pays the charges. The telephone companies later developed a corresponding set of numbers beginning with the area code "900" which would permit the owner of the number to receive additional fees from the caller.
From Wiktionary
