fraction

[frak-shuh n] /ˈfræk ʃən/
noun
1.
Mathematics.
  1. a number usually expressed in the form a/b.
  2. a ratio of algebraic quantities similarly expressed.
2.
Chemistry. (in a volatile mixture) a component whose range of boiling point temperatures allows it to be separated from other components by fractionation.
3.
a part as distinct from the whole of anything; portion or section:
The meeting started with a fraction of us present.
4.
a very small part or segment of anything; minute portion:
Only a fraction of the work was completed on time.
5.
a very small amount; a little bit:
It was only a fraction away from completion.
6.
a piece broken off; fragment or bit.
7.
the act of breaking.
8.
Ecclesiastical. (in a Eucharistic service) the breaking of the Host.
verb (used with object), verb (used without object)
9.
to divide or break into fractions, sections, factions, etc.:
Dissension threatens to fraction the powerful union.
Origin
1350-1400; Middle English fraccioun < Late Latin frāctiōn- (stem of frāctiō) a breaking (in pieces), equivalent to Latin frāct(us) (past participle of frangere to break) + -iōn- -ion
Related forms
subfraction, noun
Synonyms
3, 6. See part.
Examples from the web for fractions
  • Each color rod represents a different length, and they are used to help elementary students master simple addition and fractions.
  • In rare cases, he said, small fractions of premiums helped to finance student health services.
  • The other day, one of our math faculty bemoaned the fact that incoming students could not add fractions.
  • In the process of cutting the mold by hand, the size was off by mere fractions of an inch.
  • But it could also be water soluble fractions, inhalation, and eating contaminated food.
  • They are hermaphrodites and range in size from fractions of an inch to yards in length.
  • Nonetheless, they got unresolved, because the different fractions cannot agree upon essential issues.
  • Such could cut an aircraft or a ship in half in fractions of a second.
  • Electrons, protons and neutrons only travel fractions of the speed of light.
  • Low efficiency plants are required because they spool up in fractions of seconds.
British Dictionary definitions for fractions

fraction

/ˈfrækʃən/
noun
1.
(maths)
  1. a ratio of two expressions or numbers other than zero
  2. any rational number that is not an integer
2.
any part or subdivision: a substantial fraction of the nation
3.
a small piece; fragment
4.
(chem) a component of a mixture separated by a fractional process, such as fractional distillation
5.
(Christianity) the formal breaking of the bread in Communion
6.
the act of breaking
verb
7.
(transitive) to divide
Word Origin
C14: from Late Latin fractiō a breaking into pieces, from Latin fractus broken, from frangere to break
Word Origin and History for fractions

fraction

n.

late 14c., originally in the mathematical sense, from Anglo-French fraccioun (Old French fraccion, 12c., "breaking") and directly from Late Latin fractionem (nominative fractio) "a breaking," especially into pieces, noun of action from past participle stem of Latin frangere "to break," from PIE root *bhreg- "to break" (cf. Sanskrit (giri)-bhraj "breaking-forth (out of the mountains);" Gothic brikan, Old English brecan "to break;" Lithuanian brasketi "crash, crack;" Old Irish braigim "break" wind). Meaning "a breaking or dividing" is from early 15c.; sense of "broken off piece, fragment," is from c.1600.

fractions in Medicine

fraction frac·tion (frāk'shən)
n.

  1. An expression that indicates the quotient of two quantities.

  2. A chemical component separated by fractionation.

  3. A disconnected piece; a fragment.

  4. An aliquot portion or any portion.

fractions in Science
fraction
(frāk'shən)

  1. A number that compares part of an object or a set with the whole, especially the quotient of two whole numbers written in the form a/b. The fraction 1/2 , which means 1 divided by 2, can represent such things as 10 pencils out of a box of 20, or 50 cents out of a dollar. See also decimal fraction, improper fraction, proper fraction.

  2. A chemical component separated by fractionation.


fractions in Culture

fraction definition


A mathematical expression representing the division of one whole number by another. Usually written as two numbers separated by a horizontal or diagonal line, fractions are also used to indicate a part of a whole number or a ratio between two numbers. Fractions may have a value of less than one, as with 1/2, or equal to one, as with 2/2, or more than one, as with 3/2. The top number of a fraction is the numerator and the bottom number is the denominator.