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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
/ ˈfrækʃən /
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
/ frăk′shən /
- 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 . 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 .
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Other Words From
- sub·fraction noun
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Word History and Origins
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Word History and Origins
Origin of fraction1
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Synonym Study
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Example Sentences
The judges who handle arraignments at criminal court in all five boroughs have a small fraction of their usual caseloads.
Twitter mentions: 20,000, but still a tiny fraction of what was to come.
No, on the contrary, only a fraction of this country, a part which I would call the best of Italy, is against the Mafia.
It has a third of the budget and a fraction of the maritime vessels.
While it provides only a small fraction of the power used—about 1.5 percent—it does represent an important investment and symbol.
The beauty, the mystery,—this fierce sunshine or something—stir——' She hesitated for a fraction of a second.
We can thus disregard the first 16 and consider only the last two figures which constitute the fraction of a century.
"I've got one-fraction of an inch play, at any rate," said the garboard-strake, triumphantly.
Joseph had mentally spent his tiny fraction of the money a dozen times or more.
Before turning up the eleventh card he paused for the fraction of a second.
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