English · Word Candidate

fraction

/ˈfɹæk.ʃən/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: fractions · fractioning · fractioned

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A part of a whole, especially a comparatively small part.

Noun

Examples

With fresh material, taxonomic conclusions are leavened by recognition that the material examined reflects the site it occupied; a herbarium packet gives one only a small fraction of the data desirable for sound conclusions. Herbarium material does not, indeed, allow one to extrapolate safely: what

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A ratio of two numbers (numerator and denominator), usually written one above the other and separated by a horizontal bar called the vinculum or, alternatively, in sequence on the same line and separated by a solidus (diagonal bar).

Noun

Examples

Gasoline prices show the mill as a fraction, for example $3.59+⁹⁄₁₀.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To divide or break into fractions.

Verb

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To fractionate.

Verb

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “fraction” mean?

A part of a whole, especially a comparatively small part.

Is “fraction” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.