fraction

frac-tion · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    (mathematics) A numerical quantity that is not a whole number, expressed as one number divided by another.

  2. 2.

    A small or tiny part of something.

  3. 3.

    (chemistry) A component of a mixture separated by a physical process.

Forms

plural: fractions

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    a fraction of — A very small part of something.

Related words

Antonyms: entirety, whole
See also: decimal, percentage, portion
Synonyms: part, portion, segment

Etymology

From Late Latin fractio ("a breaking"), from Latin frangere ("to break"). The mathematical sense developed because fractions represent "broken" or divided numbers.