fraction

noun

frac·​tion ˈfrak-shən 

1

a

: a numerical representation (such as ³/₄, ⁵/₈, 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

• bit
• fragment
• piece
• 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

Monk shared that, by some industry estimates, only a small fraction of premium streaming is ad-supported as an example of why linear TV is important for broad reach. —Andrea Wasserman, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Currently, the state is far from reaching this goal, averaging just 100,000 new homes annually, with only a fraction being affordable units. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

The amplitudes take the form of fractions, with a numerator above a denominator. —Charlie Wood, WIRED, 3 Nov. 2024

For example, data for 2022 show that the fraction of U.S. GDP going to health care, 17.3%, is over half-again as large as Canada’s 10.2%. —Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 3 Nov. 2024

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

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