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 second-generation Pro Laser uses advanced non-fractional laser technology to help stimulate natural collagen production. —ABC News, 30 Mar. 2026

Teens who complete a financial education course shortly after opening their accounts will get $50 in fractional stock shares from Schwab. —Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2026

Three of those higher closes were only fractional. —Steve Kopack, NBC news, 25 Mar. 2026

Stepping outside the fractional-ownership model for superyachts, the new Armada Club is instead giving its patrons access to a slew of luxury vessels across the globe. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 17 Mar. 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