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Glite Dictionary
🔟 Base ten 🔢 A number with point
decimal

decimal

5 1.6
A number written with a point to show parts of a whole
  • noun
  • /ˈdɛsɪməl/
translation icon : decimal
  • In addition, the use of odds ratios simplifies the scoring system by providing whole integers rather than decimals.
  • decimals and fractions
  • numbers, fractions, and decimals
  • convert to decimals

Again, I remind you do not convert to decimals.

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Examples

  • According to Colorado Academic Standards, decimals are not taught until the second half of fourth grade.

    Academic text (2013)

  • The idea of a first-grade student trying to puzzle out a number with ten places after the decimal is silly.

    Academic text (2013)

  • You do not want to give decimal answers in these types of problems.

  • The Dewey Decimal Classification system requires background knowledge in number sense and decimals.

    Academic text (2013)

  • A curricular unit for gifted preschoolers in mathematics may center on the broader concept of decimals as part of the base-10 number system.

    Academic text (2007)

  • In mathematics class, we learned how to add and subtract decimals with a decimal point.

  • When measuring, it's important to record the result as a decimal to ensure precision.

  • The accountant used decimals to represent currency values accurately in the financial report.

Synonyms

decimal fraction
vsdecimal
  • Specialized
3.0

A number that shows parts of a whole and uses a point with digits after it

is any number written in the base ten system, not only such fractions

Compounds

decimal point
  • Specialized
3 1.9

A dot that separates the whole number from the part after it

decimal system
  • Specialized
2 3.1

A number system using digits 0–9 where each place is ten times the one to its right

Dewey decimal system
  • Specialized
1 4.9

A way libraries put books in order by subject using numbers

circulating decimal
  • Specialized
7.9

A decimal number with a group of digits that repeats forever

decimal system of classification
  • Specialized
6.5

A way to arrange books and other library materials by subject using numbers with a decimal point

decimal digit
  • Specialized
1.0

A symbol from 0 to 9 used to write numbers

decimal fraction
  • Specialized
3.0

A number that shows parts of a whole and uses a point with digits after it

decimal notation
  • Specialized
3.4

A system for writing numbers with the digits 0 to 9

decimal number system
  • Specialized
3.7

A number system using digits 0 to 9 that counts in tens

decimal numeration system
  • Specialized
3.9

A way to write numbers using ten digits from zero to nine

Dewey decimal classification
  • Specialized
6.2

A system libraries use to arrange nonfiction books by subject with numbers

recurring decimal
  • UK
6.5

A number with digits after the point that repeat forever

repeating decimal
  • Specialized
4.2

A decimal number with a group of digits that goes on forever after the decimal point

Surface Forms

decimal singular
decimals plural

Morphology

decimal = decimal (semi-transparent) = decim + al

The noun is a zero-derived use of the adjective 'decimal', so the meaning is directly inherited from the base form.

Etymology

Decimal comes from the Latin roots decim- and dec-, which mean 'tenth' and 'ten', the same root you see in decade. A decimal number uses 'ten' as its base, so the part after the decimal point shows 'tenths' and other parts of ten, which is why 0.75 is a decimal for three-quarters.