fractional

Everyday

1. (maths) Fractional means in the form of a fraction, or to do with fractions: «a fractional number», «fractional parts». tree →
2. Fractional means very small: «a fractional increase», «a fractional delay». tree →

In the lessons

In maths, fractional amounts are parts of a whole, like 3/4 or 1/2; fractional answers are not whole numbers. In science and sport, a fractional difference is very tiny, like a hundredth of a second in a race. Phrases: «fractional part», «fractional difference», «fractional increase».

Examples

• A half is a fractional amount. tree →
• Give your answer in fractional form, like 2/3. tree →
• The winner was faster by a fractional amount. tree →
• Prices had a fractional rise this month. tree →
• 3.75 has a whole part of 3 and a fractional part of 0.75. tree →
• There was a fractional pause before she answered. tree →

Note

In maths problems, «fractional» means not a whole number: 7 ÷ 2 = 3½ is a fractional answer. The «fractional part» of a decimal is the bit after the point. Adverb: fractionally (very slightly).