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decimal

n. countable
B1 Intermediate US //ˈdɛsəməɫ// UK //dˈɛsɪməl// dec·i·mal Informal

n. a number that uses a point to separate whole numbers from parts of a whole. You use it to show values like money or precise measurements.

n. a fraction whose denominator is a power of ten, expressed by a point placed to the left of the numerator. Often used in technical or financial contexts to represent precise values.


SIMPLE

The price is written as a decimal.

CONTEXTUAL

When calculating the interest rate, the bank rounds the final decimal to two places for clarity.

COMPLEX

In scientific computing, the precision of a decimal can significantly impact the outcome of complex simulations, leading researchers to prefer double-precision floating-point formats.

Synonyms
Origin

Borrowed from Late Latin, Medieval Latin decimalis, from Latin decimus, from decem (“ten”) + adjective suffix -alis.

Usage

Often used with the verb 'round' or 'convert'.

Pitfall

The price is 5,50The price is 5.50In English, a point is used for decimals, whereas many other languages use a comma.

Idioms1 entry

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