decimal

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   based on or organized in powers of ten

   The decimal system uses ten digits, from zero through nine.

2. 2
   noun

   a number or fraction written using a decimal point in the base-ten system

   Write three quarters as the decimal 0.75.

Borrowed from Medieval Latin decimalis, 'of tithes or tenths,' from Latin decimus, 'tenth,' and decem, 'ten.' Its mathematical use refers to notation and calculation in powers of ten; later uses such as decimal currency apply the same base-ten organization.

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