fraction

noun

frac·​tion ˈfrak-shən 

1

a

: a numerical representation (such as ³/₄, ⁵/₈, 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

• bit
• fragment
• piece
• 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

All these years later, attendance at the IndyCar road course event is a fraction of the Indianapolis 500. —Bill Koenig, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025

At less than $100, this is a small fraction of the cost of other automatic litter boxes and can help to know when problems begin, rather than a costly and stressful vet visit. —Molly Higgins, Wired News, 9 May 2025

His testimony is only a fraction of the evidence presented by plaintiffs in what has become a class-action lawsuit against the Sheriff’s Office and probation department. —Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2025

The magnet, derived from the rare earth element neodymium, was as strong as an iron magnet but a fraction of the volume, allowing automakers to introduce thin power doors, power steering, and power seats, as well as use permanent magnets in motors. —Mark Dent, HubSpot, 9 May 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