sexagesimal

1 of 2

adjective

sex·​a·​ges·​i·​mal ˌsek-sə-ˈje-sə-məl How to pronounce sexagesimal (audio)
: of, relating to, or based on the number 60

sexagesimal

2 of 2

noun

: a sexagesimal fraction

Examples of sexagesimal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
The ancient Babylonians used a sexagesimal, or base 60, system. Peter Schumer, Discover Magazine, 8 June 2018 That same astronomical thinking led them to patch the ancient Babylonian method of counting by 60, the sexagesimal system, onto the hour. New York Times, 25 Apr. 2022 The ratio which replaces tan would then be b/d or d/b, but neither can be expressed exactly in sexagesimal [base 60]. Annalee Newitz, Ars Technica, 25 Aug. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sexagesimal.' 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

Adjective

Latin sexagesimus sixtieth, from sexaginta sixty

First Known Use

Adjective

1647, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1647, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sexagesimal was in 1647

Dictionary Entries Near sexagesimal

Cite this Entry

“Sexagesimal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sexagesimal. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

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