decimal system

American  

noun

1. a system of counting or measurement, the units of which are powers of 10: the numerical system in common worldwide use.

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decimal system British  

noun

1. the number system in general use, having a base of ten, in which numbers are expressed by combinations of the ten digits 0 to 9

2. a system of measurement, such as the metric system, in which the multiple and submultiple units are related to a basic unit by powers of ten

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decimal system Scientific  

1. A number system based on units of 10 and using decimal notation.

2. A system of measurement in which all derived units are multiples of 10 of the fundamental units.

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Etymology

Origin of decimal system

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

In my own library visits I'd also frequently wind up with something from a different place in the Dewey decimal system too.

From Salon • Jun. 3, 2023

In politics, as in many other areas of human endeavor, the decimal system assumes importance, and we often refer to hundred-day periods.

From Washington Post • May 1, 2023

Hummel says, “I know librarians who organize their home libraries by the Dewey decimal system, but I am not one of them. That said, I do have my books organized quite intentionally by topic.”

From Seattle Times • Nov. 3, 2022

The Inca incorporated the ayllu structure into a governing system based on the decimal system.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2012

She headed into the stacks, jingling her ear with her finger, tuning in her internal Dewey decimal system, another sign she was a born librarian.

From "Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet" by Joanne Proulx