adjective / noun
decimal
DES-uh-muhl/dˈɛsʌmʌl/
A representation of a number in base ten.
The calculator shows one fourth as the decimal 0.25.
Etymology
Meaning 'pertaining to a tenth,' decimal became a name for a fraction expressed in powers of ten. Tenths, hundredths, and smaller decimal places extend that same ten-based division.
In context
i could divide by the target number and if it's an integer it's a match but if it's a decimal then it's not a match
More examples
- The decimal system uses the digits 0 through 9.
- We compare the decimals 0.6 and 0.75.
- In 3.14, the decimal point separates the whole and fractional parts.
Forms
decimal · decimals
Similar words
- base-ten
- Describes the numbering system, not an individual fractional number.