numerator
numerator Lexical Profile
numerator Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The number or mathematical expression written above the line in a common fraction to indicate the number of parts of the whole being considered, or the dividend in a ratio.
"To add two fractions that share the same denominator, you simply add each numerator together and keep the bottom number unchanged."
A person or device that counts or numbers things.
"In earlier centuries, the census numerator traveled from door to door recording the inhabitants of every household in the parish."
Word Nuance & Usage
In a fraction, the numerator is the number above the line indicating how many parts are taken, whereas the denominator is the number below the line indicating the total number of equal parts in the whole.
• Rhymes for numerator
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the mid-16th century from Late Latin numerator ('counter' or 'numberer'), an agent noun from Latin numerare ('to count, number'), derived from numerus ('number').