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.
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
Who needs a decimal system for weights and measures?
From Washington Post ● Apr. 25, 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
Peckleman wasn’t nearly as good with the Dewey decimal system as he had claimed to be.
From "Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library" 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.
