fraction

noun frac·tion \ˈfrak-shən\

mathematics : a number (such as 1/2 or 3/4) which indicates that one number is being divided by another; also : a number (such as 3.323) that consists of a whole number and a decimal

: a part or amount of something

Full Definition of FRACTION

a : a numerical representation (as ³⁄₄, ⁵⁄₈, or 3.234) indicating the quotient of two numbers

b (1) : a piece broken off : fragment (2) : a discrete unit : portion

: one of several portions (as of a distillate) separable by fractionation

: bit, little <a fraction closer>

See fraction defined for English-language learners

See fraction defined for kids

Origin of FRACTION

Middle English fraccioun, from Late Latin fraction-, fractio act of breaking, from Latin frangere to break — more at break

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to FRACTION

Synonyms: bit, fragment, piece, scrap

Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms

abscissa, denominator, divisor, equilateral, exponent, hypotenuse, logarithm, oblique, radii, rhomb

Rhymes with FRACTION

action, faction, taction, traction

FRACTION Defined for Kids

fraction

noun frac·tion \ˈfrak-shən\

Definition of FRACTION for Kids

: a number (as ¹⁄₂, ²⁄₃, {frac17/100}) that indicates one or more equal parts of a whole or group and that may be considered as indicating also division of the number above the line by the number below the line

: a part of a whole : fragment <I sold the car for a fraction of what I paid for it.>

Word Root of FRACTION

The Latin word frangere, meaning “to break,” and its form fractus give us the roots frag and fract. Words from the Latin frangere have something to do with breaking. Something fragile is easily broken. A fraction is a portion broken off from a whole. To fracture something, such as a bone, is to break it. A fragment is a part that has been broken off from something larger or that is incomplete.

Medical Dictionary