sexagesimal

American  

[sek-suh-jes-uh-muhl] / ˌsɛk səˈdʒɛs ə məl /

adjective

1. pertaining to or based upon the number 60.

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noun

1. a fraction whose denominator is 60 or a power of 60.

sexagesimal British  

/ ˌsɛksəˈdʒɛsɪməl /

adjective

1. relating to or based on the number 60

   sexagesimal measurement of angles

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noun

1. a fraction in which the denominator is some power of 60; a sixtieth

Etymology

Origin of sexagesimal

From the Medieval Latin word sexāgēsimālis, dating back to 1675–85. See Sexagesima, -al ¹

Example Sentences

That same astronomical thinking led them to patch the ancient Babylonian method of counting by 60, the sexagesimal system, onto the hour.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 25, 2022

The ancient Babylonians used a sexagesimal, or base 60, system.

From Salon • Jun. 15, 2018

Minutes and seconds derive from the sexagesimal partitions of the degree introduced by Babylonian astronomers.

From Scientific American • Dec. 31, 2011

For astronomical purposes the Greeks adopted a sexagesimal number system and even divided hours into 60 minutes, and minutes into 60 seconds.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife

Chinese speak a monosyllabic language, 137; their genius and its limitations, 138, 139; oldest national religion of, 180, 181; their "docenal" and "sexagesimal" system of counting, 230-231.

From Chaldea From the Earliest Times to the Rise of Assyria by Ragozin, Zénaïde A. (Zénaïde Alexeïevna)