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.
That means the overwhelming majority of House seats are effectively won in primaries, with the support of only a fraction of voters who usually are at the extreme ideological end of their party. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026 That 20,000 number, already a fraction of the 23 million registered to vote in California, was sharply winnowed down from earlier White House estimates that there were 190,000 noncitizens on voter rolls. — Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026 The European Union has already spent six years planning to launch the IRIS² constellation of 348 communications satellites starting in 2029, although that is again a mere fraction of the Starlink constellation’s size. — Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 23 Oct. 2026 These circuits must repeatedly capture, switch, and release colossal surges of electricity in fractions of a second. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 23 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 27 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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