lowest common denominator
noun Mathematics.
Origin of lowest common denominator
First recorded in 1935–40
Words nearby lowest common denominator
lowerclassman,
lowering,
lowermost,
lowery,
lowes,
lowest common denominator,
lowest common multiple,
lowest splanchnic nerve,
lowest terms,
lowestoft,
lowland
British Dictionary definitions for lowest common denominator
lowest common denominator
noun
the smallest integer or polynomial that is exactly divisible by each denominator of a set of fractions
Abbreviation: LCD, lcd Also called: least common denominator
Scientific definitions for lowest common denominator
lowest common denominator
[ lō′ĭst ]
The least common multiple of the denominators of a set of fractions. For example, the lowest common denominator of 13 and 34 is 12.
Cultural definitions for lowest common denominator
lowest common denominator
The smallest number that can be divided evenly into two other numbers (see common denominator). When fractions with different denominators are added together, their denominators have to be made the same; thus, fractions with denominators of nine and twelve have thirty-six as a lowest common denominator. Seventy-two and 108 are also common denominators for fractions with denominators of nine and twelve, but thirty-six is the lowest.
notes for lowest common denominator
The term
lowest common denominator is often used to indicate a lowering of quality resulting from a desire to find common ground for many people: “This fall's TV programming finds the lowest common denominator of taste.”