Definition

1. Noun:

   • A numerical representation that is not a whole number: A "fraction" expresses a part of a whole, typically written with a numerator and a denominator (e.g., 1/2, 3/4).
   • A small or tiny part, amount, or proportion of something: A "fraction" can refer to any small piece or fragment of a larger entity.
   • A separated constituent of a mixture: In chemistry, a "fraction" is a component separated from a mixture, often through a process like distillation.

2. Verb:

   • To divide: To perform the mathematical operation of division. (Note: This verb form is rare in modern general usage).

Examples

• Noun:

  • She only ate a fraction of the cake. (She ate only a very small part of it.)
  • The fraction ¾ is equivalent to 0.75.
  • The chemist analyzed each fraction from the distillation column.

• Verb:

  • This archaic usage is seldom seen, as in: "Can you fraction 49 by seven?" (This means "Can you divide 49 by seven?")

Advanced Usage

• "a fraction of a second": An extremely short period of time.

  • The decision was made in a fraction of a second.

• "not by a fraction": Not even the smallest amount.

  • His story didn't change, not by a fraction.

Variants and Related Words

• Fractional (adj): Relating to or constituting a fraction; very small.

  • There was only a fractional difference between their scores.

• Fractionate (verb): To separate a mixture into its components.

  • The lab will fractionate the crude oil sample.

• Fractionation (noun): The process of separating a mixture.

  • Fractionation is a key process in petroleum refining.

Synonyms

• Part: A piece or segment.
• Portion: A part or share.
• Fragment: A small broken piece.
• Division: The act or process of dividing.

Related Phrases

• Common fraction: A fraction represented as a numerator over a denominator (e.g., 1/2).
• Decimal fraction: A fraction whose denominator is a power of ten, written with a decimal point (e.g., 0.5).
• Proper fraction: A fraction where the numerator is less than the denominator (e.g., 3/4).
• Improper fraction: A fraction where the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator (e.g., 5/4).

Noun

1. the quotient of two rational numbers
2. a small part or item forming a piece of a whole
3. a component of a mixture that has been separated by a fractional process

Verb

1. perform a division
   • Can you divide 49 by seven?