fraction
UK: ˈfrækʃən | US: ˈfrækʃən
n. a small part or amount of something
n. (mathematics) a numerical quantity that is not a whole number
n. a division or fragment of a larger group
The word "fraction" originates from the Latin fractio, derived from frangere (to break). The root fract- directly relates to the concept of breaking something into parts, which aligns with its modern meanings in both general usage (a small piece) and mathematics (a numerical representation of division). The suffix -ion turns the verb-like root into a noun, emphasizing the result of the action—thus, a "broken piece." Over time, the term evolved in English to specifically denote mathematical divisions by the 14th century, while retaining its broader sense of fragmentation.
She only ate a fraction of her meal before leaving.
The recipe calls for a fraction of a teaspoon of salt.
In math class, we learned how to simplify fractions.
A small fraction of the population has this rare gene.
The glass shattered into countless fractions.