decimal fraction
noun Arithmetic.
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.
Origin of decimal fraction
First recorded in 1650–60
Words nearby decimal fraction
decilitre,
decillion,
decimal,
decimal classification,
decimal currency,
decimal fraction,
decimal notation,
decimal place,
decimal point,
decimal system,
decimalize
British Dictionary definitions for decimal point (1 of 2)
decimal point
noun
a full stop or a raised full stop placed between the integral and fractional parts of a number in the decimal system
usage for decimal point
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
British Dictionary definitions for decimal point (2 of 2)
Scientific definitions for decimal point (1 of 2)
decimal point
A period used in decimal notation to separate whole numbers from fractions, as in the number 1.3, which represents 1 + 310.
Scientific definitions for decimal point (2 of 2)
decimal fraction
A decimal having no digits to the left of the decimal point except zero, such as 0.2 or 0.00354.
Cultural definitions for decimal point
decimal point
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.”