decimal

[des-uh-muhl, des-muhl]

adjective

1. pertaining to tenths or to the number 10.

2. proceeding by tens.

   a decimal system.

noun

1. decimal fraction.

decimal

/ ˈdɛsɪməl /

noun

1. Also called: decimal fraction. a fraction that has a denominator of a power of ten, the power depending on or deciding the decimal place. It is indicated by a decimal point to the left of the numerator, the denominator being omitted. Zeros are inserted between the point and the numerator, if necessary, to obtain the correct decimal place

2. any number used in the decimal system

adjective

1. 1. relating to or using powers of ten

   2. of the base ten

2. (prenominal) expressed as a decimal

decimal

1. A representation of a real number using the base ten and decimal notation, such as 201.4, 3.89, or 0.0006.

2. A decimal fraction.

Other Word Forms

• decimally adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of decimal¹

First recorded in 1600–10; from Medieval Latin decimālis “of tenths,” equivalent to Latin decim(a) “tenth” (derivative of decem “ten” ) + -ālis adjective suffix; ten, -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of decimal¹

C17: from Medieval Latin decimālis of tithes, from Latin decima a tenth, from decem ten

Example Sentences

Only resounding wins over their nearest rivals now return a few more decimals.

From BBC

Despite leaving school at a young age and initially finding terms like "decimals" and "algebra" intimidating, Mr Elsom is said to have quite a talent for working with figures.

From BBC

Magnitude refers to the size of an earthquake, with increases marked as decimal points.

From BBC

Imagine a mathematical problem, in which the true answer runs to 32 decimal places but the shortened version runs to eight.

From BBC

Although electronic chip timers record runners' completed laps, the unfinished final loop is measured - to three decimal places - by a race adjudicator with a wheel straight from a 1990s PE lesson.

From BBC

Related Words

• figure 
• statistic 
• sum 
• total