plural fractions
1
mathematics
: a number (such as ¹/₂ or ³/₄) which indicates that one number is being divided by another
also
: a number (such as 3.323) that consists of a whole number and a decimal
2
: a part or amount of something
a fraction of an inch/second
We've described only a small fraction [=portion] of the available options.
The new program will provide similar benefits at a fraction of the cost (of the old one). [=at much less cost; for much less money]
We can now do the job in a fraction of the time. [=in much less time]
Cite this Entry
“Fraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/fraction. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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