frac
tion
Plural
fractions
1
a number obtained by dividing one integer or rational number by another, typically written in the form a/b
- One-half (1/2) is a simple fraction.
- He added the fractions 2/3 and 1/4 to get 11/12.
- Fractions can be converted to decimals for easier calculation.
- She simplified the fraction 8/12 to 2/3.
- In the recipe, use three-quarters (3/4) of a cup of sugar.
2
a part of a mixture separated from the whole based on a physical property, such as boiling point or solubility
- The chemist collected the alcohol fraction from the distillation.
- Gasoline is obtained as a middle fraction during refining.
- Each fraction of the solution was tested for purity.
- The laboratory analyzed the protein fraction of the blood sample.
- Fractional distillation separates the liquid into its constituent fractions.
3
a tiny portion or segment of something larger
- He hesitated for a fraction of a second before answering.
- Only a fraction of the audience stayed until the end.
- A fraction of the budget was allocated to research.
- She donated a fraction of her earnings to charity.
- The car was sold for a fraction of its original price.