fraction

[frak-shuhn]

noun

1. Mathematics.

   1. a number usually expressed in the form a/b.

   2. a ratio of algebraic quantities similarly expressed.

2. Chemistry.,  (in a volatile mixture) a component whose range of boiling point temperatures allows it to be separated from other components by fractionation.

3. a part as distinct from the whole of anything; portion or section.

   The meeting started with a fraction of us present.

4. a very small part or segment of anything; minute portion.

   Only a fraction of the work was completed on time.

5. a very small amount; a little bit.

   It was only a fraction away from completion.

6. a piece broken off; fragment or bit.

7. the act of breaking.

8. Ecclesiastical.,  (in a Eucharistic service) the breaking of the Host.

verb (used with or without object)

1. to divide or break into fractions, sections, factions, etc..

   Dissension threatens to fraction the powerful union.

fraction

/ ˈfrækʃən /

noun

1. maths

   1. a ratio of two expressions or numbers other than zero

   2. any rational number that is not an integer

2. any part or subdivision

   a substantial fraction of the nation

3. a small piece; fragment

4. chem a component of a mixture separated by a fractional process, such as fractional distillation

5. Christianity the formal breaking of the bread in Communion

6. the act of breaking

verb

1. (tr) to divide

fraction

1. 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.

2. See also decimal fraction improper fraction proper fraction

3. A chemical component separated by fractionation.

fraction

1. 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

• subfraction noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of fraction¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English fraccioun, from Late Latin frāctiōn- (stem of frāctiō ) “a breaking (in pieces),” equivalent to Latin frāct(us) (past participle of frangere “to break, shatter”; break ) + -iōn- -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of fraction¹

C14: from Late Latin fractiō a breaking into pieces, from Latin fractus broken, from frangere to break

Synonym Study

See part.

Example Sentences

This is a dramatic improvement compared to previous attempts, where only a small fraction of the light was usable.

From Science Daily

“It is more favorable to Republicans than a large fraction of those simulated plans,” Wang said of the current third district map.

From Salon

The firm said it only accepted a small fraction of the 13,000 people who had reached out in the hopes of filing a lawsuit.

From Los Angeles Times

Since the start of 2024, she has been England's most consistent pace bowler with 24 wickets in 16 one-day internationals at an economy rate a fraction above five runs per over.

From BBC

However, on the paid service, YouTube TV, the Spanish-language programming “only represents a tiny fraction of overall consumption,” the YouTube spokesperson said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• chunk 
• half 
• portion 

When To Use

What 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.