fraction

noun

frac·​tion ˈfrak-shən How to pronounce fraction (audio)
Synonyms of fractionnext
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

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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.
Deep underground, iron-rich rocks could hold the key to producing hydrogen at a fraction of the cost of conventional fuels. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 18 Oct. 2026 Executives are currently shielded behind their companies, with corporate financial penalties for misconduct or negligence often amounting to a fraction of their turnover and valuations – just another line item. — Giorgos Tsetis, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026 The refresh rate of E Ink panels is on the order of fractions of a second, too slow for any sort of video content, and the display is monochrome to boot. — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 16 Oct. 2026 But the vehicle weighs 254 pounds, a small fraction of the weight of a Tesla Roadster. — Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 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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Browse Nearby Words

fracted
fraction
fractional
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Cite this Entry

“Fraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fraction. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

fraction

noun
frac·​tion ˈfrak-shən How to pronounce fraction (audio)
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

fraction

noun
frac·​tion ˈfrak-shən How to pronounce fraction (audio)
: one of several portions (as of a distillate) separable by fractionation
gamma globulin is a fraction of blood plasma

More from Merriam-Webster on fraction

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fraction

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