vigesimal

[ vahy-jes-uh-muhl ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or based on twenty.
2. twentieth.
3. proceeding by twenties.

vigesimal

/ vaɪˈdʒɛsɪməl /

adjective

1. relating to or based on the number 20
2. taking place or proceeding in intervals of 20
3. twentieth

Word History and Origins

Origin of vigesimal¹

First recorded in 1650–60; from Latin vīgēsim(us), variant (with g of vīgintī “twenty”) of vīcēsimus, vīcēnsimus “twentieth” + -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of vigesimal¹

C17: from Latin vīgēsimus, variant (influenced by vīgintī twenty) of vīcēsimus twentieth

Example Sentences

This may mean that the people who lived in what is now France used a base-20 or vigesimal number system.

From Literature

As the latter is due to finger-reckoning, so the use of the fingers and the toes produced a vigesimal scale.

From Project Gutenberg

Proceeding to higher numbers, it is interesting to note that they also proceed on the vigesimal system, although this has not heretofore been distinctly shown.

From Project Gutenberg

I am inclined to think with Dr. Förstemann that it was rather in consequence of the use of the vigesimal system in representing numbers.

From Project Gutenberg

A pure quinary or vigesimal number system is exceedingly rare; but quinary scales certainly do exist in which, as far as we possess the numerals, no trace of any other influence appears.

From Project Gutenberg