decimal Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a proper fraction whose denominator is a power of 10
    decimal fraction.
  2. noun a number in the decimal system
  3. adjective satellite numbered or proceeding by tens; based on ten
    denary.
    • the decimal system

WordNet

Dec"i*mal adjective
Etymology
F. décimal (cf. LL. decimalis), fr. L. decimus tenth, fr. decem ten. See Ten, and cf. Dime.
Definitions
  1. Of or pertaining to decimals; numbered or proceeding by tens; having a tenfold increase or decrease, each unit being ten times the unit next smaller; as, decimal notation; a decimal coinage.
Dec"i*mal noun
Definitions
  1. A number expressed in the scale of tens; specifically, and almost exclusively, used as synonymous with a decimal fraction.

Webster 1913