Eight is a natural number that follows seven and precedes nine. It is often associated with various cultural significances, such as being a symbol of balance and harmony. In mathematics, eight is considered a composite number, as it can be divided by 1, 2, 4, and itself. In many cultures, the number eight holds special meanings. For instance, in Chinese culture, it is regarded as a lucky number due to its phonetic similarity to the word for wealth. Additionally, in geometry, an octagon has eight sides, making it a significant shape in various architectural designs.