Langimage
English

decimal

|dec/i/mal|

B1

/ˈdɛsɪməl/

base-ten system

Etymology
Etymology Information

'decimal' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'decimalis,' where 'decimus' meant 'tenth.'

Historical Evolution

'decimalis' transformed into the French word 'décimal,' and eventually became the modern English word 'decimal' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'tenth,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a number expressed in the base-ten system.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a fraction whose denominator is a power of ten and is expressed by figures placed to the right of a decimal point.

The number 0.75 is a decimal.

Synonyms

Adjective 1

relating to or denoting a system of numbers and arithmetic based on the number ten, tenth parts, and powers of ten.

The decimal system is used worldwide for currency.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41