common denominator

noun

1. Mathematics.,  a number that is a multiple of all the denominators of a set of fractions.

2. a trait, characteristic, belief, or the like common to or shared by all members of a group.

   Dedication to the cause of freedom was the common denominator of the American revolutionaries.

common denominator

noun

1. an integer exactly divisible by each denominator of a group of fractions: 1/ 3 , 1/ 4 , and 1/ 6 have a common denominator of 12

2. a belief, attribute, etc, held in common by members of a class or group

common denominator

1. A quantity into which all the denominators of a set of fractions may be divided without a remainder. For example, the fractions 1/3 and 2/5 have a common denominator of 15.

common denominator

1. A number that will allow fractions with different denominators to be converted into fractions with the same denominator, so that these fractions can be added or subtracted. The fractions can be expressed as whole numbers divided by the common denominator. Thus, 12 is a common denominator for 1/3 and 1/4, since they can be written as 4/12 and 3/12, respectively. (See lowest common denominator.)

Figuratively, a common denominator is a common factor in different events: “The common denominator in these crimes is the use of inside knowledge of computer systems.”

Word History and Origins

Origin of common denominator¹

First recorded in 1585–95

Example Sentences

Some on Wall Street have cited a common denominator driving trading in bitcoin and some stocks, most notably speculative plays like those focused on quantum computing.

Read more on MarketWatch

New York is projected throughout the show, but the GPS coordinates are more precisely those of an American musical that has lost its way trying to appeal to the lowest common denominator.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The difficulties grow even more pronounced when discussing those highly visible sculptures that are usually committee-approved, intentionally uncontroversial and frequently appeal to the lowest common denominator: art in public.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

They have no minimum requirements and little common denominator except excluding coal and tobacco producers.

Read more on Barron's

The common denominator is that there is a problem at Ibrox.

Read more on BBC