numerator

noun

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nu·mer·a·tor | \ ˈnü-mə-ˌrā-tər

, ˈnyü- \

Definition of numerator

1 : the part of a fraction that is above the line and signifies the number to be divided by the denominator

2 : one that numbers

Examples of numerator in a Sentence

The numerator in the fraction 3/5 is 3.

Recent Examples on the Web The denominators of every even-numbered convergent give the house numbers in succession, and their numerators (n) give the number of houses as (n – 1)/2. — Quanta Magazine, "Solution: ‘Puzzles Inspired by Ramanujan’," 8 Aug. 2016 In fourth grade, the standard is students can compare two fractions with different numerators or denominators. — Jess Nocera, baltimoresun.com, "Howard schools eliminate class rank, change elementary school report cards," 26 June 2019 More candidates competing for fewer votes has left Democrats grappling with both a numerator and denominator problem in Orange County. — Ronald Brownstein, CNN, "How Democrats' California dream got twisted," 5 June 2018 But this reflects the denominator rising, not the numerator shrinking: investment relative to GDP is in line with 1990s levels. — The Economist, "Six muddles about share buy-backs," 31 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'numerator.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Cite this Entry

“Numerator.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/numerator. Accessed 19 January 2020.

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More Definitions for numerator

numerator

noun