decimal system

American  

noun

1. a system of counting or measurement, the units of which are powers of 10: the numerical system in common worldwide use.

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decimal system British  

noun

1. 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

2. 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

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decimal system Scientific  

1. A number system based on units of 10 and using decimal notation.

2. A system of measurement in which all derived units are multiples of 10 of the fundamental units.

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Etymology

Origin of decimal system

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

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

Hummel says, “I know librarians who organize their home libraries by the Dewey decimal system, but I am not one of them. That said, I do have my books organized quite intentionally by topic.”

From Seattle Times • Nov. 3, 2022

Think of the Dewey decimal system in a library.

From Salon • Sep. 1, 2018

The Inca incorporated the ayllu structure into a governing system based on the decimal system.

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