Definition

1. Noun:
   • The dot used to separate the integer part from the fractional part in a decimal number: The "decimal point" is a punctuation mark (a dot or a comma, depending on the locale) that indicates where the whole number part ends and the fractional part begins in the decimal numeral system.

Usage

• The primary function of the decimal point is to denote the boundary between units and tenths, hundredths, thousandths, etc.
• In many English-speaking countries, the decimal point is represented by a period (), while in many other countries, a comma () is used.

Examples

• Noun:
  • In the number 3.14159, the decimal point is the dot between the 3 and the 1.
  • When writing currency, such as $15.99, the decimal point separates the dollars from the cents.
  • The recipe calls for 1.5 liters of water, where the decimal point indicates one and a half liters.

Advanced Usage

• "Floating point": In computing, this term relates to a method of representing real numbers where the decimal point's position can vary.
  • Floating-point arithmetic is used for calculations involving very large or very small numbers.
• Significance of placement: The position of the decimal point determines the value's magnitude. Moving it changes the number by powers of ten.
  • Moving the decimal point one place to the right multiplies the number by ten.

Variants and Related Words

• Decimal separator (n): A more general term for the symbol used to separate the integer and fractional parts, which can be a point or a comma.
  • The decimal separator varies internationally.
• Radix point (n): A formal mathematical term for the dot in any base numeral system (e.g., binary point in base-2).
  • In binary, the radix point is called the binary point.

Synonyms

• Point: (Informal, in mathematical contexts)
• Dot: (Informal)

Related Phrases

• To the right of the decimal point: Referring to the fractional part of a number.
  • The digits to the right of the decimal point represent tenths, hundredths, etc.
• To the left of the decimal point: Referring to the integer (whole number) part.
  • All digits to the left of the decimal point are whole numbers.

Idioms

• Lose the decimal point: To make a significant error in calculation or recording by misplacing the decimal point.
  • Be careful with your calculations; if you lose the decimal point, your answer could be off by a factor of ten.

Noun

1. the dot at the left of a decimal fraction