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View synonyms for fraction

fraction

[ frak-shuhn ]

noun

  1. Mathematics.
    1. a number usually expressed in the form a/b.
    2. a ratio of algebraic quantities similarly expressed.
  2. Chemistry. (in a volatile mixture) a component whose range of boiling point temperatures allows it to be separated from other components by fractionation.
  3. a part as distinct from the whole of anything; portion or section:

    The meeting started with a fraction of us present.

  4. a very small part or segment of anything; minute portion:

    Only a fraction of the work was completed on time.

  5. a very small amount; a little bit:

    It was only a fraction away from completion.

  6. a piece broken off; fragment or bit.
  7. the act of breaking.
  8. Ecclesiastical. (in a Eucharistic service) the breaking of the Host.


verb (used with or without object)

  1. to divide or break into fractions, sections, factions, etc.:

    Dissension threatens to fraction the powerful union.

fraction

/ ˈfrækʃən /

noun

  1. maths
    1. a ratio of two expressions or numbers other than zero
    2. any rational number that is not an integer
  2. any part or subdivision

    a substantial fraction of the nation

  3. a small piece; fragment
  4. chem a component of a mixture separated by a fractional process, such as fractional distillation
  5. Christianity the formal breaking of the bread in Communion
  6. the act of breaking
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

  1. tr to divide
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

fraction

/ frăkshən /

  1. A number that compares part of an object or a set with the whole, especially the quotient of two whole numbers written in the form a b. The fraction 1 2 , which means 1 divided by 2, can represent such things as 10 pencils out of a box of 20, or 50 cents out of a dollar.
  2. A chemical component separated by fractionation.

fraction

  1. A mathematical expression representing the division of one whole number by another. Usually written as two numbers separated by a horizontal or diagonal line , fractions are also used to indicate a part of a whole number or a ratio between two numbers. Fractions may have a value of less than one, as with 1/2, or equal to one, as with 2/2, or more than one, as with 3/2. The top number of a fraction is the numerator and the bottom number is the denominator .
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Other Words From

  • sub·fraction noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of fraction1

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English fraccioun, from Late Latin frāctiōn- (stem of frāctiō ) “a breaking (in pieces),” equivalent to Latin frāct(us) (past participle of frangere “to break, shatter”; break ) + -iōn- -ion
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Word History and Origins

Origin of fraction1

C14: from Late Latin fractiō a breaking into pieces, from Latin fractus broken, from frangere to break
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Synonym Study

See part.
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Example Sentences

West Virginia, for example, has the highest opioid death rate but its homeless population is a fraction of California’s, even when accounting for its small population.

Only a fraction was recovered, and the rest went untracked.

From BBC

Obtaining the appropriate visa is just a fraction of the cost of an international move.

From Salon

This could renew pressure around vice chancellors pay, even though it is a tiny fraction of the spending of universities with a turnover of £500m or more.

From BBC

They believe that tackling contrails could achieve a major win for the climate, at a fraction of the cost.

From BBC

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More About Fraction

What does fraction mean?

A fraction is any part separated or distinct from its whole, as in After the party, just a fraction of the large cake was left.

A fraction can also be a very small part of a whole, as in We only understand a fraction of how the human mind works.

In mathematics, fraction is a number that is expressed as a proportion, as 1/2 or 2/3. The number on the bottom represents the total number of parts of one unit, while the number on the top is the portion of the unit being considered. For example, in 1/2 the 2 represents two halves of one whole and the 1 represents the amount of parts being observed, in this case one.

To fraction means to divide into sections or fractions, as in Politics often fractions people into self-interested groups.

Example: That announcement is only a fraction of what’s in store tonight.

Where does fraction come from?

The first records of the term fraction come from the mid-1300s. It ultimately comes from the Latin frāctiōn– meaning “a breaking into pieces.” Fraction can be used as a verb meaning “to shatter or break into a piece.”

When organizations fall apart, you might hear that they fraction off their assets or departments. These fractions can either become their own businesses, as with a large company fractioning off departments, or can be sold to other companies, as with the materials owned by the fractioning company.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to fraction?

What are some synonyms for fraction?

What are some words that share a root or word element with fraction?

What are some words that often get used in discussing fraction?

How is fraction used in real life?

While fraction is most often used in the mathematical sense, it’s also used more loosely to refer to pieces that are of undefined size.

 

Try using fraction!

Which of the following is NOT a synonym for fraction?

A. part
B. segment
C. piece
D. all

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