Dec"i*mal , n. A number expressed in the scale
of tens; specifically, and almost exclusively, used as synonymous with a decimal fraction.
Circulating, or Circulatory, decimal, a decimal fraction in which the
same figure, or set of
figures, is constantly
repeated; as, 0.354354354; - - called also recurring decimal,
repeating decimal, and repetend.
Dec"i*mal (?), a. [F. décimal (cf. LL.
decimalis), fr. L. decimus tenth, fr. decem ten. See Ten, and cf. Dime.]
Of or pertaining to decimals; numbered or proceeding by tens; having a tenfold increase or decrease, each unit being ten times the unit next
smaller; as, decimal notation; a decimal coinage.
Decimal arithmetic,
the common arithmetic, in which numeration proceeds by tens. -- Decimal fraction,
a fraction in which the
denominator is some power of
10, as &frac2x10;, &fract25x100;, and is usually not expressed, but is signified by a
point placed at the left hand
of the numerator, as .2, .25. --
Decimal point,
a dot or full stop at
the left of
a decimal fraction. The figures at the left of the point
represent units or whole numbers, as 1.05.
Hear it pronounced