Definitions
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
- n. A linear array of digits that represents a real number, every decimal place indicating a multiple of a negative power of 10. For example, the decimal 0.1 = 1/10 , 0.12 = 12/100 , 0.003 = 3/1000 . Also called decimal fraction.
- n. A number written using the base 10.
- adj. Expressed or expressible as a decimal.
- adj. Based on 10.
- adj. Numbered or ordered by groups of 10.
Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
- Pertaining to the tenth or to tens; proceeding by tens.
- Relating to tithes.
- n. An expression denoting a decimal fraction by an extension of the decimal notation. A dot, called the decimal point, being placed to the right of the units' place, figures are written to the right of it, the first place in passing to the right being appropriated to tenths, the second to hundredths, etc. Thus, 199320.3 is the same as 199320 3/10; 19932.03 is the same as 19932 3/100; and 1.993203 is the same as 1 993203/1000000. (See
decimal fraction , above.) The invention of decimals is usually attributed to Stevinus (1582). In his notation a mixed number, for example 1993 293/1000, which is now written 1993.203, would have been written 1993203. The decimal point may be placed above the line (a common practice) or ou the line. - Of an angle, one sixtieth of a right angle.
- Of an arc, one two-hundred-and-fortieth of a circumference.
- Of time, 0.01 of an hour; 0.6 of an ordinary minute.
Wiktionary
- n. arithmetic, computing, uncountable The number system that uses the digits 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9.
- n. countable A number expressed in this system.
- n. informal A decimal place.
- n. informal A numeral written as a concatenation of successive negative powers of the base.
- n. informal A decimal point.
- adj. arithmetic, computing Concerning numbers expressed in decimal or mathematical calculations performed using decimal.
GNU Webster's 1913
- adj. Of or pertaining to decimals; numbered or proceeding by tens; having a tenfold increase or decrease, each unit being ten times the unit next smaller
- n. A number expressed in the scale of tens; specifically, and almost exclusively, used as synonymous with a decimal fraction.
WordNet 3.0
- adj. numbered or proceeding by tens; based on ten
- n. a number in the decimal system
- n. a proper fraction whose denominator is a power of 10
Etymologies
- From Medieval Latin decimalis, from Latin decimus, from decem, ten + adjective suffix -alis (Wiktionary)
- Medieval Latin decimālis, of tenths or tithes, from Latin decima, a tenth part or tithe, from decem, ten. (American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition)
Examples
“Five hundred men were caught shirking their duty; one out of every ten was selected for execution, which is why the procedure was called decimation analogous to our word decimal, that is, one-tenth.”
“The doubling of the severity for each decimal is simply a rule of thumb, it is accurate enough for a layman I think.”
“The sum of a terminating decimal and a repeating decimal is a repeating decimal, so we are done.”
“Converting from binary to decimal is based on multiplication; converting from decimal to binary is based on division.”
“For example, one can enter a number in decimal, have it converted to binary to be stored, and then have it end up being a different number when one prints it out.”
“Also, if you are not paying attention and he stops it at $20 pesos and then hopes you don't notice the decimal is in the wrong place, you are out $180 pesos of gas.”
“Following that is the ib-value of 100 decimal, which is 64 hex.”
DOCUMENTATION: A86 Assembler Package by Eric Isaacson Chapter 6
“The offset 17 decimal, which is 11 hex, will fit in a single "d8" byte, so we take our value from the”
DOCUMENTATION: A86 Assembler Package by Eric Isaacson Chapter 6
“What is known as the decimal or the Dewey system of classification was originally suggested by Mr.N. B. Shurtleff's "Decimal system for the arrangement and administration of libraries," published at B.ston in”
“The Maya scale is decimal through its first 20 numerals, and, if it is to be regarded as a mixed scale, must be characterized as decimal-vigesimal.”
Lists
These user-created lists contain the word ‘decimal’.
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Interesting words
A list of words that are odd or words that I have looked up.
concupiscence, brize, scree, scoria, forestaff, spanaemia, valetudinarianism, distasture, pyrethrum, laudanum, gentian, bicameral and 11184 more...
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big book gre
abase, abbess, abbey, abbot, abdicate, abdomen, abdominal, abduction, abed, aberration, abet, abeyance and 6691 more...
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Mathaphors √
Concepts o' dem numblurs; polysemy mathematicalia.
integer, factor, ∮, geometric, exponential, equation, aboutequals, variable, obtuse, triangle, angle, circle and 92 more...
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Having: C; m; e
Goodies pulled from a list I've compiled of most-every word having these letters in common — It's going take to take a long, long time to actually get through (and I may want to extend it lat...
chamber, chimney, compesce, imperch, ipom�ic, lambency, premier cru, recumbence, simnelcake, succumbence, umbeschew, almacle and 631 more...
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small words
shrimp, tiny, little, insignificant, miniscule, itty bitty, immeasureable, quark, atom, particle, electron, fraction and 19 more...
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arithmetic
numeral, number, zero, positive, negative, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, addend, minuend, subtrahend and 36 more...
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miscellaneous
monochromatic, nuclear, dynast, catastrophe, mnemonic, cigarettes, couture, cognac, cellophane, parasol, constellation, plastic and 45 more...
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dictionary's list
minuet, xenarthrans, lego, universal, hail, entertainer, musical, ewe, gain, interest, collie, accent and 45 more...
Tweets
Looking for tweets for decimal.
missanthropist A Lecherous lickspittle. Also known as 'Avorton_Loqueteux'. Jul 16, 2008