fractional

adjective

frac·​tion·​al ˈfrak-sh(ə-)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

The process credits the net benefit ahead of the standard pay date and applies it to each fractional token held by investors. — Malana Vantyler, jsonline.com, 11 Aug. 2026

That work can usually sit with the fractional security leadership a business already retains, at a fraction of the cost. — Keegan Crage, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Treatments such as Fraxel, LaseMD Ultra, or even more aggressive CO₂ fractional lasers can stimulate collagen production, improve fine wrinkling, smooth texture and reduce pigmentation caused by years of sun exposure. — Carlos Wolf, Miami Herald, 6 Aug. 2026

In 2024, Biden administration officials warned that Russia was deploying testing technology for such a device, known as a fractional orbital bombardment system. — Anna Mulrine Grobe, Christian Science Monitor, 30 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

fraction + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1650, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing fractional

• fractional currency

Rhymes for fractional

• factional
• interactional
• redactional
• transactional

Kids Definition

fractional

adjective

frac·​tion·​al ˈfrak-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

1

: of, relating to, or being a fraction

fractional equivalents of percentages

2

: fairly small

fractionally

-ē

adverb

Medical Definition

fractional

adjective

frac·​tion·​al -shən-ᵊl, -shnəl 

: of, relating to, or involving a process for separating components of a mixture through differences in physical or chemical properties

fractional distillation