fractional

adjective

frac·​tion·​al ˈfrak-shnəl How to pronounce fractional (audio)
-shə-nᵊl
1
: of, relating to, or being a fraction
2
: of, relating to, or being fractional currency
3
: relatively small : inconsiderable
4
: of, relating to, or involving a process for separating components of a mixture through differences in physical or chemical properties
fractional distillation
fractionally adverb

Examples of fractional in a Sentence

There has been a fractional rise in the price of the stock. There is only a fractional improvement in the new version.
Recent Examples on the Web Being a successful independent fractional executive also requires a self-starter attitude. Andrea Pietrini, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 This fractional model allows businesses to benefit from quality risk management services without the hefty investment associated with a full-time hire. Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 25 Jan. 2024 Becoming a fractional manager is challenging but rewarding. Andrea Pietrini, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Even fractional temperature rises above that point accelerate the loss of snow. Fiona Sibbett, CNN, 28 Feb. 2024 Without clear ownership, each person owns only a fractional stake in a property, not a specific physical piece of the land. Patrice Gaines, NBC News, 16 Feb. 2024 Scott Mayor's commitment is evident in his goal to help businesses grow their risk management services while offering a cost-effective alternative through Endurance's fractional solutions. Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 25 Jan. 2024 Unlike radio, which plays an entire song and is also considered a promotional vehicle, TikTok only uses fractional elements of a song. Kristin Westcott Grant, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024 Every Somos sequence after that also contains fractional values. Alex Stone, Quanta Magazine, 16 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fractional.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

fraction + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1650, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fractional was in 1650

Dictionary Entries Near fractional

Cite this Entry

“Fractional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fractional. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

fractional

adjective
frac·​tion·​al ˈfrak-shnəl How to pronounce fractional (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
1
: of, relating to, or being a fraction
fractional equivalents of percentages
2
: fairly small
fractionally
adverb

Medical Definition

fractional

adjective
frac·​tion·​al -shən-ᵊl, -shnəl How to pronounce fractional (audio)
: of, relating to, or involving a process for separating components of a mixture through differences in physical or chemical properties
fractional distillation

More from Merriam-Webster on fractional

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