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 my own library visits I'd also frequently wind up with something from a different place in the Dewey decimal system too.

From Salon

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

The “Kaktovik numerals,” named after the Alaskan village where they were created, looked utterly different from decimal system numerals and functioned differently, too.

From Scientific American

The people who were there were people like librarians who had created decimal systems to suit their public libraries, and soccer coaches, and others who had done service to the community.

From Seattle Times

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