repetend

[ rep-i-tend, rep-i-tend ]

noun

1. Mathematics. the part of a repeating decimal that is repeated, as 1234 in 0.123412341234. …
2. Music. a phrase or sound that is repeated.
3. Prosody. a word, phrase, line or longer element that is repeated, sometimes with variation, at irregular intervals in a poem.

repetend

/ ˌrɛpɪˈtɛnd; ˈrɛpɪˌtɛnd /

noun

1. maths the digit or series of digits in a recurring decimal that repeats itself
2. anything repeated

repetend

/ rĕp′ĭ-tĕnd′ /

1. The digit or group of digits that repeats infinitely in a repeating decimal. The repetend of the decimal form of 5 12 (0.4166666…) is 6.

Word History and Origins

Origin of repetend¹

1705–15; < Latin repetendum that which is to be repeated, neuter gerund of repetere to repeat

Word History and Origins

Origin of repetend¹

C18: from Latin repetendum what is to be repeated, from repetere to repeat

Example Sentences

Poe created the fifth line of his stanza for the magic of the repetend.

From Project Gutenberg

True, America is free; but in order to establish tradition some one must be a repetend—a repeating decimal.

From Project Gutenberg