# floating-point number

CEFR C1 · Compound

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/floating-point-number
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Definition

a way that computers store numbers with decimal points. It allows the computer to handle very large or very small numbers by moving the decimal point to different positions.

For teachers: a numerical representation in computing where the decimal point can 'float' rather than being fixed. This format represents a wide range of values by storing a significand and an exponent, similar to scientific notation.

## Examples

- The software uses a floating-point number to store the precise temperature.
- When calculating the trajectory of the satellite, the engineers used a floating-point number to maintain high precision across vast distances.

## Usage notes

- Often shortened to 'float' in programming contexts; typically used when precision is more important than exactness in financial terms.

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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.