fraction
Meaning
-
- A part of a whole, especially a comparatively small part.
- A ratio of two numbers (numerator and denominator), usually written one above the other and separated by a horizontal bar called the vinculum or, alternatively, in sequence on the same line and separated by a solidus (diagonal bar).
- 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.
Frequency
Hyphenated as
frac‧tion
Pronounced as (IPA)
/ˈfɹæk.ʃən/
Etymology
From Middle English fraccioun (“a breaking”), from Anglo-Norman, Old French fraction, from Medieval Latin fractio (“a fragment, portion”), from earlier Latin fractio (“a breaking, a breaking into pieces”), from fractus, past participle of frangere (“to break”) (whence English frangible), from Proto-Indo-European *bʰreg- (English break). Doublet of frazione.
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