decimal

1 of 2

adjective

dec·​i·​mal ˈde-sə-məl 

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 

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

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

Phrases Containing decimal

• circulating decimal
• decimal fraction
• decimal place
• decimal point
• decimal system
• Dewey decimal classification
• recurring decimal
• repeating decimal
• terminating decimal

Kids Definition

decimal

1 of 2 adjective

dec·​i·​mal ˈdes-(ə-)məl 

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