common denominator

noun

1. Mathematics. a number that is a multiple of all the denominators of a set of fractions.
2. a trait, characteristic, belief, or the like common to or shared by all members of a group:

   Dedication to the cause of freedom was the common denominator of the American revolutionaries.

common denominator

noun

1. an integer exactly divisible by each denominator of a group of fractions: 1 3 , 1 4 , and 1 6 have a common denominator of 12
2. a belief, attribute, etc, held in common by members of a class or group

common denominator

1. A quantity into which all the denominators of a set of fractions may be divided without a remainder. For example, the fractions 1 3 and 2 5 have a common denominator of 15.

common denominator

1. A number that will allow fractions with different denominators to be converted into fractions with the same denominator, so that these fractions can be added or subtracted. The fractions can be expressed as whole numbers divided by the common denominator. Thus, 12 is a common denominator for 1/3 and 1/4, since they can be written as 4/12 and 3/12, respectively. ( See lowest common denominator .)

Notes

Figuratively, a common denominator is a common factor in different events: “The common denominator in these crimes is the use of inside knowledge of computer systems.”

Word History and Origins

Origin of common denominator¹

First recorded in 1585–95