decimal system
Americannoun
noun
-
the number system in general use, having a base of ten, in which numbers are expressed by combinations of the ten digits 0 to 9
-
a system of measurement, such as the metric system, in which the multiple and submultiple units are related to a basic unit by powers of ten
-
A number system based on units of 10 and using decimal notation.
-
A system of measurement in which all derived units are multiples of 10 of the fundamental units.
Etymology
Origin of decimal system
First recorded in 1835–45
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In my own library visits I'd also frequently wind up with something from a different place in the Dewey decimal system too.
From Salon ● Jun. 3, 2023
In politics, as in many other areas of human endeavor, the decimal system assumes importance, and we often refer to hundred-day periods.
From Washington Post ● May 1, 2023
And all the guests, the soldiers who had done derring-do, and the librarians with their decimal system, everyone was just like “Oh, my gosh, it’s the queen.”
From Seattle Times ● Dec. 15, 2022
Modern numerals, the zero, and the decimal system were invented in India.
From Textbooks ● Jan. 1, 2012
“You know a lot about the Dewey decimal system for a motel employee.”
From "Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics" by Chris Grabenstein
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
