common denominator

American  

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.

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common denominator British  

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

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common denominator Scientific  

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.

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common denominator Cultural  

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.)

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Discover More

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.”

Etymology

Origin of common denominator

First recorded in 1585–95

Example Sentences

If Gellar didn’t have such a spellbinding screen presence, one might think she was the common denominator factor in all of these failed series.

From Salon • Mar. 26, 2026

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.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 22, 2025

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.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 19, 2025

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.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 17, 2025

It deflates them, reduces them to the common denominator where they can be dealt with.

From "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood