percent

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adverb per·cent \pər-ˈsent\

Definition of percent

: in the hundred : of each hundred

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Origin and Etymology of percent

earlier per cent, from per + Latin centum hundred — more at hundred

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First Known Use: 1568

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Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms

abscissa, denominator, divisor, equilateral, exponent, hypotenuse, logarithm, oblique, radii, rhomb

percent

noun per·cent

Definition of percent

plural

percent

percents

1 plural percent a : one part in a hundredb : percentage a large percent of their income
2 percents plural, British : securities bearing a specified rate of interest

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Examples of percent in a Sentence

The value has increased half a percent.

First Known Use of percent

1667

Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms

abscissa, denominator, divisor, equilateral, exponent, hypotenuse, logarithm, oblique, radii, rhomb

percent

adjective per·cent

Definition of percent

1 : reckoned on the basis of a whole divided into 100 parts
2 : paying interest at a specified percent

First Known Use of percent

1888

Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms

abscissa, denominator, divisor, equilateral, exponent, hypotenuse, logarithm, oblique, radii, rhomb

PERCENT Defined for English Language Learners

percent

noun

Definition of percent for English Language Learners

: one part in a hundred : an amount that is equal to one one-hundredth of something
: a part of a whole

PERCENT Defined for Kids

percent

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adjective or adverb per·cent \pər-ˈsent\

Definition of percent for Students

: out of every hundred : measured by the number of units as compared with one hundred a 15 percent raise My rent was raised 15 percent.

percent

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noun per·cent

Definition of percent for Students

plural

percent

: a part or fraction of a whole expressed in hundredths Ten percent of the class failed the test.

Word Root of percent

The Latin word centum, meaning “hundred,” gives us the root cent. Words from the Latin centum have something to do with the number 100. A dollar is made up of 100 cents. A century is a period of 100 years. A percent is the portion of something out of 100 parts.