fraction

Meanings

Noun

• A part of a whole, especially a comparatively small part.
• A ratio of two numbers, the numerator and the denominator, usually written one above the other and separated by a horizontal bar.
• A component of a mixture, separated by fractionation.
• In a eucharistic service, the breaking of the host.
• A small amount.
• The act of breaking, or state of being broken, especially by violence.

Verb

• To divide or break into fractions.

Origin

• From Middle English fraccioun ("a breaking"), from Anglo-Norman, Old French fraction, from Medieval Latin fractio ("a fragment, portion"), from earlier Latin fractio ("a breaking, a breaking into pieces"), from fractus (English fracture), past participle of frangere (whence English frangible), from Proto-Indo-European *bʰreg- (English break).