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duodecimal notation

duodecimal notation

9.9
A number system that uses twelve symbols to write numbers
  • noun
  • /ˌduːəˈdɛsɪməl noʊˈteɪʃən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : notación duodecimal
  • In duodecimal notation, the numbers are represented using twelve symbols.

Examples

  • Some ancient cultures used duodecimal notation instead of our familiar decimal system.

  • The clock is an example of how duodecimal notation can be applied in daily life.

  • In duodecimal notation, the number after eleven is written as twelve, not ten.

  • The duodecimal notation is rarely used in modern mathematics.

  • In duodecimal notation, the symbols for ten and eleven are often represented as A and B.

  • Some ancient cultures used duodecimal notation to count and trade, demonstrating its historical significance.

  • Many children's clocks use duodecimal notation to mark hours instead of the standard twelve numbers.

Synonyms

duodecimal number system
vsduodecimal notation
  • Specialized
9.9

A way of writing numbers that uses twelve as its base and digits 0 to 11

is identical in meaning but usually expressed with a shorter name
duodecimal system
vsduodecimal notation
  • Specialized
9.3

A way of writing numbers that counts by twelve and uses twelve digits

is identical in meaning but often uses a briefer form

Surface Forms

Morphology

duodecimal + notation

Both constituents are directly compositional: 'duodecimal' means relating to a base‑12 system and 'notation' means a system of symbols, so together they straightforwardly denote a base‑12 numbering/symbol system. This is a technical compound following regular formation patterns (and similar formations exist cross‑linguistically), so a learner who knows both words can derive the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

The noun duodecimal notation comes from the part duodecimal, which means 'twelve', and notation, which means 'a way to write numbers'. Think of a clock or a dozen eggs: this system counts in groups of twelve, so it means 'a number system based on twelve'.