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⇱ FRACTION Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

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1
a
: a numerical representation (such as ¾, ⅝, or 3.234) indicating the quotient of two numbers
b(1)
: a piece broken off : fragment
(2)
: a discrete unit : portion
2
: one of several portions (as of a distillate) separable by fractionation
3
: bit, little
a fraction closer

Synonyms of fraction

Examples of fraction in a Sentence

a fraction of an inch if even a tiny fraction of that cookie broke off and fell into the delicate watch works, it could mess things up
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
When a race is decided by a fraction of a percentage point, the law provides a process for verification. —👁 Image
Neal Earley, Arkansas Online, 2 Apr. 2026 With only a fraction of the boxes catalogued, there will undoubtedly be more surprises in store for archaeologists at the Valkhof Museum. —👁 Image
Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 2 Apr. 2026 The strategy has deepened anxiety in Tyre and throughout southern Lebanon, where around 60,000 people once lived but only a fraction remain. —👁 Image
Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026 Dozens of amateur and professional photographers were invited to find beauty in the invisible world of force fields and subatomic particles, which blip into existence for fractions of a second and hold secrets about the origin and fate of the universe. —👁 Image
Zack Savitsky, Quanta Magazine, 1 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fraction

Word History

Etymology

Middle English fraccioun "act or result of breaking, mathematical fraction," borrowed from Medieval Latin frāctiōn-, frāctiō "breaking, division into parts, mathematical fraction," going back to Late Latin, "breaking, weariness, illness," from Latin frag-, variant stem of frangere "to break, shatter" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at break entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of fraction was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing fraction

Rhymes for fraction

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Cite this Entry

“Fraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fraction. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

1
: a number (as ½, ¾, or 3.323) that represents a number of equal parts of a whole or the division of one number by another
2
: a part of a whole

Medical Definition

: one of several portions (as of a distillate) separable by fractionation
gamma globulin is a fraction of blood plasma

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