decimal

1 of 2

adjective

dec·​i·​mal ˈde-sə-məl How to pronounce decimal (audio)
ˈdes-məl
: numbered or proceeding by tens:
a
: based on the number 10
especially : expressed in or utilizing a decimal system especially with a decimal point
b
: subdivided into 10th or 100th units
decimal coinage
decimally
ˈde-sə-mə-lē How to pronounce decimal (audio)
ˈdes-mə-
adverb

decimal

2 of 2

noun

: any real number expressed in base 10
especially : decimal fraction

Examples of decimal in a Sentence

Adjective In the number 8.901, the 9 is in the first decimal place. Noun The number 67.398 is a decimal. It is equal to the whole number 67 plus the decimal.398. Seven-tenths written as a decimal is .7. The decimal.2 is equal to the fraction 2/10.
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Unlike some scales that give a decimal reading for pounds, the Greater Goods scale features accuracy down to 0.1 ounces and provides measurements in pounds with ounces, decimal pounds, or kilograms. Laura Lu, Ms, Parents, 21 Mar. 2024 Pi is an infinite, non-repeating decimal number (3.14159265358979...). Craig S. Smith, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024
Noun
Being effective may well require a prospective tutor to get a refresher on how to add fractions with unlike denominators or multiply decimals, but a bachelor’s degree, while nice, shouldn’t be a prerequisite. Michael Thomas Duffy, Hartford Courant, 31 Jan. 2024 The leaders of those and other rate stats — expressed with decimals — are now sprinkled with Negro League standouts. Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for decimal 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'decimal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

French décimal, from Medieval Latin decimalis of a tithe, from Latin decima tithe — more at dime

First Known Use

Adjective

1608, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1651, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of decimal was in 1608

Dictionary Entries Near decimal

Cite this Entry

“Decimal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decimal. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

decimal

1 of 2 adjective
dec·​i·​mal ˈdes-(ə-)məl How to pronounce decimal (audio)
1
: based on the number 10
especially : expressed in, used in, or using a number system with a base of 10 especially with the decimal point
a decimal system of writing numerals
¼ in decimal form is .25
2
: divided into 10th or 100th units
switched to a decimal money system

decimal

2 of 2 noun
1
: any real number expressed in base 10
2
: a fraction in which the denominator is a power of 10 and that is expressed in decimal form
the decimal .25 is equivalent to the common fraction ²⁵⁄₁₀₀

called also decimal fraction

Etymology

Adjective

derived from Latin decimalis "of a tenth part," from decimus "a tenth part," from decem "ten" — related to december, dime

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