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

The last of these scales is an unusual combination of decimal and vigesimal.

From Project Gutenberg

Among the almost countless dialects of Africa we find a comparatively small number of vigesimal number systems.

From Project Gutenberg

This completes the scanty list of African vigesimal number systems that a patient and somewhat extended search has yielded.

From Project Gutenberg

As our knowledge of African languages is extended, new examples of the vigesimal method may be brought to light.

From Project Gutenberg

Any number system which passes the limit 10 is reasonably sure to have either a quinary, a decimal, or a vigesimal structure.

From Project Gutenberg