numerator

[noo-muh-rey-ter, nyoo-] /ˈnu məˌreɪ tər, ˈnyu-/
noun
1.
Arithmetic. the term of a fraction, usually above the line, that indicates the number of equal parts that are to be added together; the dividend placed over a divisor:
The numerator of the fraction 2/3 is 2.
Compare denominator (def 1).
2.
a person or thing that numbers.
Origin
1535-45; < Late Latin numerātor a counter, numberer, equivalent to Latin numerā(re) to number + -tor -tor
Examples from the web for numerator
  • First of all, the size of a ratio depends on the denominator as well as the numerator.
  • Thus letter on the top will be in the numerator and letters on the bottom will be in the denominator.
  • The numerator of the productivity equation, output, is hopelessly vague for services.
  • The performance rate is calculated by dividing the numerator by the denominator.
  • Notice that the numerator was limited to civilian cases.
  • The numerator is the top number, the denominator is the bottom number.
  • The top part of a fraction is called the numerator.
British Dictionary definitions for numerator

numerator

/ˈnjuːməˌreɪtə/
noun
1.
(maths) the dividend of a fraction: the numerator of 7/8 is 7 Compare denominator
2.
a person or thing that numbers; enumerator
Word Origin and History for numerator
n.

1540s, from Late Latin numerator "counter, numberer," agent noun from numerat-, past participle stem of numerare "to count, number," from numerus "a number" (see number (n.)).

numerator in Science
numerator
  (n'mə-rā'tər)   
A number written above or to the left of the line in a common fraction to indicate the number of parts of the whole. For example, 2 is the numerator in the fraction 2/7 .
numerator in Culture

numerator definition


In mathematics, the number that appears on the top of a fraction. In the fraction 2/3, the numerator is 2. (Compare denominator.)