Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
duodecimal number system

duodecimal number system

9.9
A way of writing numbers that uses twelve as its base and digits 0 to 11
  • noun
  • /ˈduːəˌdɛsɪməl ˈnʌmbər ˈsɪstəm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : sistema numérico duodecimal
  • In a duodecimal number system, the digits run from 0 to 11 instead of 0 to 9.

Examples

  • Some argue that switching to a duodecimal number system would simplify certain calculations.

  • Did you know the duodecimal number system has twelve digits?

  • The ancient Babylonians are known for their use of the duodecimal number system in mathematics.

  • The ancient Romans used the duodecimal number system for counting.

  • In a duodecimal number system, the digits run from 0 to 11 instead of 0 to 9.

  • Some argue that switching to a duodecimal number system would simplify certain calculations.

  • The ancient Babylonians are known for their use of the duodecimal number system in mathematics.

Synonyms

duodecimal system
vsduodecimal number system
  • Specialized
9.3

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

is identical in meaning and differs only in wording
duodecimal notation
vsduodecimal number system
  • Specialized
9.9

A number system that uses twelve symbols to write numbers

focuses on the whole counting system and base, not only the symbols

Surface Forms

duodecimal number system singular
duodecimal number systems plural

Morphology

duodecimal + number + system

The meaning 'a numeral system based on twelve' follows directly from combining 'duodecimal' (pertaining to base‑12) with 'number system' (a system for numeration); the modifier+noun composition is fully compositional. Although somewhat technical, the semantic parts align transparently and mirror cross‑linguistic naming patterns for base systems, so a learner who knows the constituent meanings can infer the MWE.

Etymology

Duodecimal number system may come from an old finger-counting trick: people used their thumb to point to the three joints on each of the four fingers, giving 'twelve' counts. So, the system uses 'twelve' as its 'base', which is why the name means a number system built on twelve.