decimal fraction

noun, Arithmetic
1.
a fraction whose denominator is some power of 10, usually indicated by a dot (decimal point or point) written before the numerator: as 0.4 = 4/10; 0.126 = 126/1000.
Compare common fraction, nonterminating decimal, terminating decimal.
Origin
1650-60
Examples from the web for decimal point
  • Establishing a causal relationship and being able to quantify it down to the last decimal point are quite different things.
  • Some locales may use a different character to denote the decimal point.
  • In computer-readable files, the decimal point is implied.
  • If a decimal point is missed, an overdose may occur.
  • The importance of proper decimal point placement and prominence cannot be overstated.
  • Please provide this information in minutes with one decimal point accuracy.
  • Each digit in relation to the decimal point has a particular value.
  • Observers are required to enter precipitation values without the decimal point.
  • The program will insert the decimal point at the proper point and read the value back to you.
  • Place values extend infinitely in two directions from a decimal point.
British Dictionary definitions for decimal point

decimal point

noun
1.
a full stop or a raised full stop placed between the integral and fractional parts of a number in the decimal system
Usage note
Conventions relating to the use of the decimal point are confused. The IX General Conference on Weights and Measures resolved in 1948 that the decimal point should be a point on the line or a comma, but not a centre dot. It also resolved that figures could be grouped in threes about the decimal point, but that no point or comma should be used for this purpose. These conventions are adopted in this dictionary. However, the Decimal Currency Board recommended that for sums of money the centre dot should be used as the decimal point and that the comma should be used as the thousand marker. Moreover, in some countries the position is reversed, the comma being used as the decimal point and the dot as the thousand marker

decimal fraction

noun
1.
another name for decimal (sense 1)
decimal point in Science
decimal fraction  
A decimal having no digits to the left of the decimal point except zero, such as 0.2 or 0.00354.
decimal point  
A period used in decimal notation to separate whole numbers from fractions, as in the number 1.3, which represents 1 + 3/10 .
decimal point in Culture

decimal point definition


The point or dot placed to the left of decimals to separate them from the whole number portion of the decimal. When the number is spoken aloud, the word point is usually used to signify the decimal point. For example, “8.3” is read “eight point three.”

decimal point in Technology

character
"." ASCII character 46. Common names are: point; dot; ITU-T, USA: period; ITU-T: decimal point. Rare: radix point; UK: full stop; INTERCAL: spot.
(1995-03-14)