fraction

noun

frac·​tion ˈfrak-shən 

1

a

: a numerical representation (such as ¾, ⅝, or 3.234) indicating the quotient of two numbers

b(1)

: a piece broken off : fragment

(2)

: a discrete unit : portion

2

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

3

: bit, little

a fraction closer

Synonyms of fraction

• fragment
• piece
• bit
• scrap

Examples of fraction in a Sentence

a fraction of an inch

if even a tiny fraction of that cookie broke off and fell into the delicate watch works, it could mess things up

Recent Examples on the Web

Last year, the event raised over $74,000 for local non-profits – a fraction of it’s peak, but much more money per attendee. — Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 17 July 2026

Industry estimates suggest that even among knowledge workers with access to agent-building tools, only a small fraction have successfully deployed one into their daily workflow. — Vivian Toh, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

The store’s protein aisle sits alongside a growing lineup of ready-to-drink iced coffees and instant coffee, giving shoppers a way to build a caffeine-and-protein routine for a fraction of what a coffee shop run would cost. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson july 16, Kansas City Star, 16 July 2026

These open-source models can offer enterprises more control and transparency over their data, often at a fraction of the cost of frontier models. — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 16 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English fraccioun "act or result of breaking, mathematical fraction," borrowed from Medieval Latin frāctiōn-, frāctiō "breaking, division into parts, mathematical fraction," going back to Late Latin, "breaking, weariness, illness," from Latin frag-, variant stem of frangere "to break, shatter" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at break entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing fraction

• common fraction
• complex fraction
• continued fraction
• decimal fraction
• improper fraction
• partial fraction
• proper fraction
• simple fraction

Rhymes for fraction

• action
• faction
• traction
• abstraction
• attraction
• compaction
• contraction
• detraction
• diffraction
• distraction
• exaction
• extraction

Kids Definition

fraction

noun

frac·​tion ˈfrak-shən 

1

: a number (as ½, ¾, or 3.323) that represents a number of equal parts of a whole or the division of one number by another

2

: a part of a whole

Medical Definition

fraction

noun

frac·​tion ˈfrak-shən 

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

gamma globulin is a fraction of blood plasma