decimal
/ˈdɛs.ɪ.məl/ adjective, noun, verb
Forms decimals decimaling decimalling decimaled decimalled
- adjective (arithmetic, computing) Concerning numbers expressed in decimal or mathematical calculations performed using decimal.
- noun (countable) A number expressed in the base-ten system, (particularly) a fractional numeral written in this system. “What is ⁷⁄₂₃ as a decimal?”
- noun (informal, uncountable) The decimal system itself.
- noun (informal) A decimal place. “Pi has a value of 3.142, to three decimals.”
- noun (informal) A decimal point.
- verb To represent with numbers after a decimal point.
Synonyms
base-ten denary decimal number decimal place decimal system decimal fraction
Antonyms
Etymology
Borrowed from Late Latin, Medieval Latin decimalis, from Latin decimus, from decem (“ten”) + adjective suffix -alis.
Webster’s 1913
- adjective Of or pertaining to decimals; numbered or proceeding by tens; having a tenfold increase or decrease, each unit being ten times the unit next smaller; as, decimal notation; a decimal coinage. Decimal arithmetic, the common arithmetic, in which numeration proceeds by tens.
- noun A number expressed in the scale of tens; specifically, and almost exclusively, used as synonymous with a decimal fraction.
Etymology [F. décimal (cf. LL. decimalis), fr. L. decimus tenth, fr. decem ten. See Ten, and cf. Dime.]
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “decimal”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details