Advertisement
Advertisement
fraction
[ frak-shuhn ]
noun
- Mathematics.
- a number usually expressed in the form a/b.
- a ratio of algebraic quantities similarly expressed.
- Chemistry. (in a volatile mixture) a component whose range of boiling point temperatures allows it to be separated from other components by fractionation.
- a part as distinct from the whole of anything; portion or section:
The meeting started with a fraction of us present.
- a very small part or segment of anything; minute portion:
Only a fraction of the work was completed on time.
- a very small amount; a little bit:
It was only a fraction away from completion.
- a piece broken off; fragment or bit.
- the act of breaking.
- Ecclesiastical. (in a Eucharistic service) the breaking of the Host.
verb (used with or without object)
- to divide or break into fractions, sections, factions, etc.:
Dissension threatens to fraction the powerful union.
fraction
/ ˈڰæʃə /
noun
- maths
- a ratio of two expressions or numbers other than zero
- any rational number that is not an integer
- any part or subdivision
a substantial fraction of the nation
- a small piece; fragment
- chem a component of a mixture separated by a fractional process, such as fractional distillation
- Christianity the formal breaking of the bread in Communion
- the act of breaking
verb
- tr to divide
fraction
- A number that compares part of an object or a set with the whole, especially the quotient of two whole numbers written in the form a b. The fraction 1 2 , which means 1 divided by 2, can represent such things as 10 pencils out of a box of 20, or 50 cents out of a dollar.
- See also decimal fraction
- A chemical component separated by fractionation.
fraction
- A mathematical expression representing the division of one whole number by another. Usually written as two numbers separated by a horizontal or diagonal line , fractions are also used to indicate a part of a whole number or a ratio between two numbers. Fractions may have a value of less than one, as with 1/2, or equal to one, as with 2/2, or more than one, as with 3/2. The top number of a fraction is the numerator and the bottom number is the denominator .
Other Word Forms
- ܲ·ڰtDz noun
Word History and Origins
Word History and Origins
Origin of fraction1
Synonym Study
Example Sentences
Gurr’s defining Disney creations — the sci-fi-inspired monorails of Disneyland and Walt Disney World, the first implementation of a tubular steel coaster in the Matterhorn — are just a small fraction of his résumé.
“A small fraction of the population here can really make the difference in terms of tipping us into more safe areas,” he said.
Australia mines 33% of the world's lithium, but only refines and exports a tiny fraction.
Under the watchful eye of doctors, Chris started by eating a fraction of a milligram of peanut powder mixed with yoghurt.
The fines are relatively small given the tech companies' huge worldwide revenues - and are a fraction of Google's €2.4bn fine from last September.
Advertisement
More About Fraction
does fraction mean?
A fraction is any part separated or distinct from its whole, as in After the party, just a fraction of the large cake was left.
A fraction can also be a very small part of a whole, as in We only understand a fraction of how the human mind works.
In mathematics, fraction is a number that is expressed as a proportion, as 1/2 or 2/3. The number on the bottom represents the total number of parts of one unit, while the number on the top is the portion of the unit being considered. For example, in 1/2 the 2 represents two halves of one whole and the 1 represents the amount of parts being observed, in this case one.
To fraction means to divide into sections or fractions, as in Politics often fractions people into self-interested groups.
Example: That announcement is only a fraction of what’s in store tonight.
Where does fraction come from?
The first records of the term fraction come from the mid-1300s. It ultimately comes from the Latin ڰ峦پōn– meaning “a breaking into pieces.” Fraction can be used as a verb meaning “to shatter or break into a piece.”
When organizations fall apart, you might hear that they fraction off their assets or departments. These fractions can either become their own businesses, as with a large company fractioning off departments, or can be sold to other companies, as with the materials owned by the fractioning company.
Did you know … ?
are some other forms related to fraction?
- fractional (adjective)
- subfraction (noun)
are some synonyms for fraction?
are some words that share a root or word element with fraction?
are some words that often get used in discussing fraction?
How is fraction used in real life?
While fraction is most often used in the mathematical sense, it’s also used more loosely to refer to pieces that are of undefined size.
adding fractions began my math downfall
— queen quen (@quenblackwell)
"it's a frightening thought that in one fraction of a moment you can fall in the kind of love that takes a lifetime to get over"
— camila (@Camila_Cabello)
wish i woke up with just a fraction of the energy of a guy who found out he’s not the father on maury
— Matt Bellassai (@MattBellassai)
Try using fraction!
Which of the following is NOT a synonym for fraction?
A. part
B. segment
C. piece
D. all
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Browse