fractional
adj. B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈfɹækʃənəɫ// UK //fɹˈækʃənəl// frac·tion·al
adj. describing something that is very small or only a tiny part of a whole. It can also relate to fractions in math.
adj. relating to or expressed as a fraction; by extension, describing an amount that is extremely small or insignificant. Often used in technical contexts to describe the separation of components in a mixture.
The company saw only a fractional increase in profits this year.
The difference in their finishing times was fractional, requiring a photo finish to determine the winner.
Fractional distillation allows chemists to separate a liquid mixture into its individual components by taking advantage of their differing boiling points.
From fraction + -al.
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun.