denominator
denominator Lexical Profile
denominator Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The number or algebraic expression written below the line in a common fraction, which indicates the number of equal parts into which the whole is divided and acts as the divisor of the numerator.
"To add two fractions together, you must first find a common denominator."
A shared trait, characteristic, or standard that is common to all members of a particular group or situation.
"Curiosity was the common denominator among all the researchers on the project."
Word Nuance & Usage
Often confused by students with 'numerator'; in a fraction, the denominator is the bottom number indicating the total parts of the whole, whereas the numerator is the top number indicating how many of those parts are counted.
• Rhymes for denominator
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the mid-16th century from Medieval Latin 'denominator', from Latin 'denominare' ('to name specifically'), because the bottom number gives the fraction its name (such as 'fourths' or 'fifths').