FRACTION

fraction

(noun) a small part or item forming a piece of a whole

fraction

(noun) the quotient of two rational numbers

fraction

(noun) a component of a mixture that has been separated by a fractional process

divide, fraction

(verb) perform a division; “Can you divide 49 by seven?”

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

fraction (plural fractions)

A part of a whole, especially a comparatively small part.

(arithmetic) A ratio of two numbers, the numerator and the denominator, usually written one above the other and separated by a horizontal bar.

(chemistry) A component of a mixture, separated by fractionation.

In a eucharistic service, the breaking of the host.

A small amount.

The act of breaking, or state of being broken, especially by violence.

Verb

fraction (third-person singular simple present fractions, present participle fractioning, simple past and past participle fractioned)

To divide or break into fractions.

Anagrams

• Croftian, factor in, infocrat

Source: Wiktionary


Frac"tion, n. Etym: [F. fraction, L. fractio a breaking, fr. frangere, fractum, to break. See Break.]

1. The act of breaking, or state of being broken, especially by violence. [Obs.] Neither can the natural body of Christ be subject to any fraction or breaking up. Foxe.

2. A portion; a fragment. Some niggard fractions of an hour. Tennyson.

3. (Arith. or Alg.)

Definition: One or more aliquot parts of a unit or whole number; an expression for a definite portion of a unit or magnitude. Common, or Vulgar, fraction, a fraction in which the number of equal parts into which the integer is supposed to be divided is indicated by figures or letters, called the denominator, written below a line, over which is the numerator, indicating the number of these parts included in the fraction; as -- Complex fraction, a fraction having a fraction or mixed number in the numerator or denominator, or in both. Davies & Peck.

– Compound fraction, a fraction of a fraction; two or more fractions connected by of.

– Continued fraction, Decimal fraction, Partial fraction, etc. See under Continued, Decimal, Partial, etc.

– Improper fraction, a fraction in which the numerator is greater than the denominator.

– Proper fraction, a fraction in which the numerator is less than the denominator.

Frac"tion, v. t. (Chem.)

Definition: To separate by means of, or to subject to, fractional distillation or crystallization; to fractionate; -- frequently used with out; as, to fraction out a certain grade of oil from pretroleum.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

8 April 2025

COAXING

(adjective) pleasingly persuasive or intended to persuade; “a coaxing and obsequious voice”; “her manner is quiet and ingratiatory and a little too agreeable”


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Coffee Trivia

Raw coffee beans, soaked in water and spices, are chewed like candy in many parts of Africa.

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