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

verb

1. tr to divide

fraction

/ frăk′shən /

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. See also decimal fraction
3. 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 .

Other Words From

• sub·fraction noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of fraction¹

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

Synonym Study

See part.

Related Words

• chunk
• half
• portion