denominator

[ dih-nom-uh-ney-ter ]

noun

1. Arithmetic. that term of a fraction, usually written under the line, that indicates the number of equal parts into which the unit is divided; divisor. Compare numerator ( def 1 ).
2. something shared or held in common; standard.
3. Archaic. a person or thing that denominates.

denominator

/ dɪˈnɒmɪˌneɪtə /

noun

1. the divisor of a fraction, as 8 in 7 8 Compare numerator
2. archaic.
   a person or thing that denominates or designates

denominator

/ dĭ-nŏm′ə-nā′tər /

1. The number below or to the right of the line in a fraction, indicating the number of equal parts into which one whole is divided. For example, in the fraction 2 7 , 7 is the denominator.

denominator

1. In mathematics , the number that appears on the bottom of a fraction . In the fraction 2/3, the denominator is 3. ( Compare numerator .)

Word History and Origins

Origin of denominator¹

1535–45; < Medieval Latin dēnōminātor, equivalent to Latin dēnōminā ( re ) ( denominate ) + -tor -tor

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

But even if the true number of cases — the denominator — is five times as high, said Jennifer Nuzzo, director of the Pandemic Center at Brown University, a mortality rate of 10% would be devastating if the bird flu virus evolved to spread swiftly between people.

From Salon

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

From Salon

I am the lowest budgetary 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

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