definitions

fraction

[ frak-shuh n ]
/ ˈfræk ʃən /
||
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR fraction ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

verb (used with or without object)

to divide or break into fractions, sections, factions, etc.: Dissension threatens to fraction the powerful union.

RELATED CONTENT

How To Use The SlashThe slash (/)—sometimes called a slant, a solidus, a stroke, or a virgule—is a commonly employed symbol in the English language. Whatever you want to call this piece of punctuation, its role in English has greatly changed over time. The word slash first entered English in the late 14th century as a verb to describe the cutting movement of a weapon, a word derived from …
READ MORE
How To Use Common Punctuation MarksA discussion of each mark follows, in alphabetical order by name of mark. Also includes how to divide words; use of numerals/numbers; possessives; and common errors in punctuation. Apostrophe (‘) is used to indicate possession, contractions, and plurals. Possession: The possessive form of singular nouns ends in ‘s, including nouns ending in s, x, z, ch, or sh. For example: a dog’s life, a lass’s smile. The apostrophe …
READ MORE

RELATED WORDS

portion, chunk, half, ratio, division, cut, end, fragment, section, share, slice, piece, bite, subdivision, part, partial, bit, segment, quotient

Nearby words

fracp, fracs, fractable, fractal, fracted, fraction, fractional, fractional crystallization, fractional currency, fractional distillation, fractional orbital bombardment system

Origin of fraction

1350–1400; Middle English fraccioun < Late Latin frāctiōn- (stem of frāctiō) a breaking (in pieces), equivalent to Latin frāct(us) (past participle of frangere to break) + -iōn- -ion

Related forms

sub·frac·tion, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for fraction

British Dictionary definitions for fraction

fraction

/ (ˈfrækʃən) /

noun

verb

(tr) to divide

Word Origin for fraction

C14: from Late Latin fractiō a breaking into pieces, from Latin fractus broken, from frangere to break
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for fraction

fraction

[ frăk′shən ]

n.

An expression that indicates the quotient of two quantities.
A chemical component separated by fractionation.
A disconnected piece; a fragment.
An aliquot portion or any portion.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Science definitions for fraction

fraction

[ frăk′shən ]

A number that compares part of an object or a set with the whole, especially the quotient of two whole numbers written in the form ab. The fraction 12, which means 1 divided by 2, can represent such things as 10 pencils out of a box of 20, or 50 cents out of a dollar. See also decimal fraction improper fraction proper fraction.
A chemical component separated by fractionation.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Culture definitions for fraction

fraction

A mathematical expression representing the division of one whole number by another. Usually written as two numbers separated by a horizontal or diagonal line, fractions are also used to indicate a part of a whole number or a ratio between two numbers. Fractions may have a value of less than one, as with 1/2, or equal to one, as with 2/2, or more than one, as with 3/2. The top number of a fraction is the numerator and the bottom number is the denominator.

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.