common denominator
noun
Mathematics.
a number that is a multiple of all the denominators of a set of fractions.
a trait, characteristic, belief, or the like common to or shared by all members of a group: Dedication to the cause of freedom was the common denominator of the American revolutionaries.
Origin of common denominator
First recorded in 1585–95
Words nearby common denominator
common chord,
common cold,
common core,
common cost,
common council,
common denominator,
common difference,
common disaster,
common divisor,
common entrance,
common era
British Dictionary definitions for common denominator
common denominator
noun
an integer exactly divisible by each denominator of a group of fractions: 1/3, 1/4, and 1/6 have a common denominator of 12
a belief, attribute, etc, held in common by members of a class or group
Scientific definitions for common denominator
common denominator
A quantity into which all the denominators of a set of fractions may be divided without a remainder. For example, the fractions 13 and 25 have a common denominator of 15.
Cultural definitions for common denominator
common denominator
A number that will allow fractions with different denominators to be converted into fractions with the same denominator, so that these fractions can be added or subtracted. The fractions can be expressed as whole numbers divided by the common denominator. Thus, 12 is a common denominator for 1/3 and 1/4, since they can be written as 4/12 and 3/12, respectively. (See lowest common denominator.)
notes for common denominator
Figuratively, a common denominator is a common factor in different events: “The common denominator in these crimes is the use of inside knowledge of
computer systems.”