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

According to the company, these magnets can be made smaller and lighter than traditional low-temperature superconductors and operate at a fraction of the cooling cost. —Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 22 Nov. 2025

That’s merely a fraction of the total worth of Asia’s most valuable company, Taiwanese chipmaker TSMC. —Jonathan Gan, Fortune, 21 Nov. 2025

Best Quince Early Black Friday Clothing Deals Quince clothing is a favorite among PEOPLE writers thanks to the high-quality fabrics at a fraction of the cost of similar designer styles. —Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 21 Nov. 2025

These buyers pay only a fraction of the debt's original balance, often pennies on the dollar, because the accounts are considered risky or difficult to collect. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 21 Nov. 2025

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