# decimal

/ˈdɛsəməɫ/ (US) · /dˈɛsɪməl/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/decimal
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The price is written as a decimal.
- When calculating the interest rate, the bank rounds the final decimal to two places for clarity.
- 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The price is 5,50" but "The price is 5.50" — In English, a point is used for decimals, whereas many other languages use a comma.

## Usage notes

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

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.