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

Example Sentences

For radioactive elements, “there’s no real common denominator. ... They belong to all different kinds of chemical families,” said Ira Helfand, past president of the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War.

From Los Angeles Times

I think we go with a feeling as a common denominator.

From Salon

Using the stadium as a common denominator allows the film's timeline to jump back and forth and explore how Sir Elton, and society around him, has changed over the decades.

From BBC

But as his offensive production has declined at the plate, with the sixth-year catcher setting career lows for OPS in back-to-back campaigns, there’s been one common denominator to what he’s been missing.

From Los Angeles Times

Her astonishing range, as borne out by a stage and screen career that traversed generations, genres and culture levels, had one common denominator: a reverence for the written word.

From Los Angeles Times