denominator

American  

[dih-nom-uh-ney-ter] / dɪˈnɒm əˌneɪ tər /

noun

1. Arithmetic. that term of a fraction, usually written under the line, that indicates the number of equal parts into which the unit is divided; divisor.

2. something shared or held in common; standard.

3. Archaic. a person or thing that denominates.

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denominator British  

/ dɪˈnɒmɪˌneɪtə /

noun

1. the divisor of a fraction, as 8 in 7/ 8 Compare numerator

2. archaic a person or thing that denominates or designates

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denominator Scientific  

/ dĭ-nŏm′ə-nā′tər /

1. The number below or to the right of the line in a fraction, indicating the number of equal parts into which one whole is divided. For example, in the fraction 2/7, 7 is the denominator.

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denominator Cultural  

1. In mathematics, the number that appears on the bottom of a fraction. In the fraction 2/3, the denominator is 3. (Compare numerator.)

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Etymology

Origin of denominator

1535–45; < Medieval Latin dēnōminātor, equivalent to Latin dēnōminā ( re ) ( see denominate) + -tor -tor

Compare meaning

How does denominator compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• numerator vs. denominator

Explanation

Write a fraction like 1/2 and the denominator is the number on the bottom. In this case, the 2. Another word for denominator is divisor. Both of these words refer to the number under the line in a common fraction. Similarly, when you're talking about statistical values, a denominator refers to the whole number or population from which samples are taken. The national census, for example, gathers the total number of people and households in the country so that there is a denominator by which to compare statistics like unemployment or welfare.

Example Sentences

Denominator and distribution allow researchers to ask how common or rare behaviors are online, and who engages in those behaviors.

From Salon • Nov. 17, 2021

The most evocative slide had to be "Pao’s Numerous Conflicts: What Is the Common Denominator?"

From The Verge • Mar. 26, 2015

A year-and-a-half later, the company, Common Denominator, has about 45 men who drive trucks, backhoes and other equipment in the fields of the Bakken oil field about two hours away.

From New York Times • Aug. 23, 2013

The trouble is, says Krutch in the current Saturday Review, the Age of the Common Man is rapidly becoming the Age of the Common Denominator.

From Time Magazine Archive

So true is it, what I then said, that the Fraction of Life can be increased in value not so much by increasing your Numerator as by lessening your Denominator.

From Sartor Resartus: the life and opinions of Herr Teufelsdröckh by Carlyle, Thomas

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