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ninth

num. · n.
US //ˈnaɪnθ// UK //nˈaɪnθ// ninth
  1. 1 position in a sequence (num.)
    A2 Elementary

    coming after the eighth and before the tenth.

    the ordinal number matching the cardinal number nine in a series.

    Example

    This is the ninth time I have tried to call the bank today.

    Example

    The ninth chapter of the report provides a detailed breakdown of the fiscal discrepancies discovered during the autumn audit.

  2. 2 a fraction (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Math

    one of nine equal parts of a whole.

    one of nine equal parts into which a whole is or may be divided.

    Example

    If you cut the cake into nine pieces, each piece is one ninth.

    Example

    The surveyor noted that approximately one ninth of the total acreage was unsuitable for residential development due to the high water table.

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  1. 3 musical interval (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Music

    a musical note that is eight notes above another note.

    the interval between any tone and the tone represented on the ninth degree of the staff above it.

    Example

    The composer used a major ninth to create a dreamy, open sound.

    Example

    The pianist struggled with the reach required for the dominant ninth chord in the final movement of the concerto.

Origin

From Middle English nynthe, nynte, from Old English niġoþa, from Proto-Germanic *newundô; the -n- was reinserted by analogy with nine. Equivalent to nine + -th (ordinal suffix).

Idioms1 entry

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