fraction

[ frak-shuh n ]
/ ˈfræk ʃən /

noun

verb (used with or without object)

to divide or break into fractions, sections, factions, etc.: Dissension threatens to fraction the powerful union.

Origin of fraction

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

SYNONYMS FOR fraction

3, 6 See part.

OTHER WORDS FROM fraction

sub·frac·tion, noun

Example sentences from the Web for fraction

British Dictionary definitions for fraction

fraction
/ (ˈfrækʃən) /

noun

verb

(tr) to divide

Word Origin for fraction

C14: from Late Latin fractiō a breaking into pieces, from Latin fractus broken, from frangere to break

Medical definitions for fraction

fraction
[ frăkshən ]

n.

An expression that indicates the quotient of two quantities.
A chemical component separated by fractionation.
A disconnected piece; a fragment.
An aliquot portion or any portion.

Scientific definitions for fraction

fraction
[ frăkshən ]

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 ab. The fraction 12, 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.
A chemical component separated by fractionation.

Cultural definitions for fraction

fraction

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.