decimal point

[ des-uh-muhl point, des-muhl ]

noun

, Arithmetic.

1. a dot used to separate the whole part of a mixed number from its fractional part: for example, in the mixed number 32.89, the whole part is 32 whole units, the fractional part is 89 one-hundredths, and the dot that allows for the expression 32.89 is the decimal point:

   If you want to multiply 14.675 by 10, just move the decimal point one place to the right to get 146.75, the correct answer.

decimal point

noun

1. a full stop or a raised full stop placed between the integral and fractional parts of a number in the decimal system

decimal point

1. A period used in decimal notation to separate whole numbers from fractions, as in the number 1.3, which represents 1 + 3 10 .

decimal point

1. The point or dot placed to the left of decimals to separate them from the whole number portion of the decimal. When the number is spoken aloud, the word point is usually used to signify the decimal point. For example, “8.3” is read “eight point three.”

Usage

Conventions relating to the use of the decimal point are confused. The IX General Conference on Weights and Measures resolved in 1948 that the decimal point should be a point on the line or a comma, but not a centre dot. It also resolved that figures could be grouped in threes about the decimal point, but that no point or comma should be used for this purpose. These conventions are adopted in this dictionary. However, the Decimal Currency Board recommended that for sums of money the centre dot should be used as the decimal point and that the comma should be used as the thousand marker. Moreover, in some countries the position is reversed, the comma being used as the decimal point and the dot as the thousand marker

Word History and Origins

Origin of decimal point¹

First recorded in 1700–05

Example Sentences

Many people use 3.14159, but even that’s not quite right, because the digits to the right of the decimal point in pi go on forever.

From NewsForKids.net

The chances — percentage-wise — of him ever making the ring of honor probably start with a decimal point.

From Seattle Times

What percentage — and it may start with a decimal point — did you give the backup to pull it out with his team down four against the reigning NFC champs?

From Seattle Times

“Atto” is the scientific notation prefix that represents 10-18, which is a decimal point followed by 17 zeroes and a 1.

From Salon

The worst tourist scam I’ve seen lately is the shady business of moving a decimal point when someone charges your credit card.

From Seattle Times