fractional

American  

[frak-shuh-nl] / ˈfræk ʃə nl /

Also fractionary

adjective

1. pertaining to fractions; comprising a part or the parts of a unit; constituting a fraction.

   fractional numbers.

2. comparatively small; inconsiderable or insignificant.

   The profit on the deal was fractional.

3. Chemistry. of or noting a process, as distillation, crystallization, or oxidation, by which the component substances of a mixture are separated according to differences in certain of their properties, as boiling point, critical temperature, or solubility.

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ˈfractional British  

/ ˈfrækʃənərI, ˈfrækʃənəl /

adjective

1. relating to, containing, or constituting one or more fractions

2. of or denoting a process in which components of a mixture are separated by exploiting differences in their physical properties, such as boiling points, solubility, etc

   fractional distillation

   fractional crystallization

3. very small or insignificant

4. broken up; fragmented

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Other Word Forms

• fractionally adverb
• subfractional adjective
• subfractionally adverb
• subfractionary adjective

Etymology

Origin of fractional

First recorded in 1665–75; fraction + -al ¹

Example Sentences

"This new discovery of fractional electron distribution establishes an entirely new scientific foundation for understanding catalysts that we believe will drive new energy technologies over the next several decades."

From Science Daily

If it’s, say, fractional reserve banking, I’ll start by asking ChatGPT to “explain fractional reserve banking at a high school level.”

From New York Times

In Beverly Hills, planning commissioners this month expressed support for an ordinance that would prohibit fractional ownership in the city.

From Los Angeles Times

Electrons syncing up inside a metal give rise to superconductivity at low temperatures, for instance, and—physicists speculate—high-temperature superconductivity, exotic fractional electron materials, and more.

From Scientific American

With several retail brokerage platforms offering fractional stocks in recent years, there might be a less pronounced market impact.

From Seattle Times