fractional
fractional Lexical Profile
fractional Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Extremely small, minor, or inconsiderable in amount, proportion, or degree.
"The company reported only a fractional increase in quarterly revenue compared to last year."
Relating to, consisting of, or expressed as a mathematical fraction rather than a whole number.
"The equation requires converting the decimal values into fractional exponents before solving."
Designating a commercial arrangement in which multiple buyers share ownership or usage rights of a high-value asset, or in which a professional works for an organization on a part-time basis.
"Many early-stage startups hire a fractional chief financial officer before committing to a full-time executive."
Relating to a chemical process in which the components of a mixture are separated into different parts based on physical properties such as boiling point.
"Crude oil is refined into gasoline, kerosene, and diesel through fractional distillation."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'fractional' with 'fractious', which means irritable or unruly, or 'factional', which relates to competing political or social groups.
• Rhymes for fractional
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in English in the late 17th century from 'fraction' + '-al', ultimately tracing back to Late Latin 'fractionem' (a breaking into pieces), from Latin 'frangere' (to break).