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.

Appears in

Simplified etymology

Decimal entered English in the early 17th century and derives from Latin decem “ten,” which belongs to the same ancient family as English ten.

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.

Topics

External links

• Google Images
• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary