fractional

adjective

frac·​tion·​al ˈfrak-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce fractional (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That’s why a growing number of companies are turning to a hybrid model built around an in-house fractional CMO. Stephen Spratley, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025 The much larger Golden Dome is intended to combat a wider range of threats, including hypersonic weapons able to move faster than the speed of sound and fractional orbital bombardment systems launched from space. Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 21 May 2025 Now listed at $8.95 million, the Norman Lykes House is also being offered as a fractional ownership opportunity, with six shares available at $1.5 million apiece. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 7 May 2025 The overall markets were calmer than in many recent days, with the Dow, Nasdaq and S&P 500 all posting fractional gains. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 7 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for fractional

Word History

Etymology

fraction + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1650, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fractional was in 1650

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fractional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fractional. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

fractional

adjective
frac·​tion·​al ˈfrak-shnəl How to pronounce fractional (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
1
: of, relating to, or being a fraction
fractional equivalents of percentages
2
: fairly small
fractionally
adverb

Medical Definition

fractional

adjective
frac·​tion·​al -shən-ᵊl, -shnəl How to pronounce fractional (audio)
: of, relating to, or involving a process for separating components of a mixture through differences in physical or chemical properties
fractional distillation

More from Merriam-Webster on fractional

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