fraction

UK: /ˈfrækʃ^ən/ US: /ˈfrækʃən/ ,(frak′shən)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

frac•tion /ˈfrækʃən/   n. [countable]

1. Mathematics a number usually expressed in the form
   a/b.
2. a part of a whole;
   portion:
   Only a fraction of the members voted.
3. a very small part or segment:
   You can now buy this software at only a fraction of the original cost.

frac•tion•al, adj. See -frac-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

frac•tion  (frak′shən), n. 

1. Mathematics
   • a number usually expressed in the form a/b.
   • a ratio of algebraic quantities similarly expressed.
2. Chemistry (in a volatile mixture) a component whose range of boiling point temperatures allows it to be separated from other components by fractionation.
3. a part as distinct from the whole of anything;
   portion or section:
   The meeting started with a fraction of us present.
4. a very small part or segment of anything;
   minute portion:
   Only a fraction of the work was completed on time.
5. a very small amount;
   a little bit:
   It was only a fraction away from completion.
6. a piece broken off;
   fragment or bit.
7. the act of breaking.
8. Religion [Eccles.] (in a Eucharistic service) the breaking of the Host.

v.t., v.i. 

9. to divide or break into fractions, sections, factions, etc.:
   Dissension threatens to fraction the powerful union.

• Late Latin frāctiōn- (stem of frāctiō) a breaking (in pieces), equivalent. to Latin frāct(us) (past participle of frangere to break) + -iōn- -ion
• Middle English fraccioun 1350–1400

Synonyms

• 3, 6. See part. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

fraction / ˈfrækʃən/ noun

1. a ratio of two expressions or numbers other than zero
2. any part or subdivision
3. a small piece; fragment
4. a component of a mixture separated by a fractional process, such as fractional distillation
5. the formal breaking of the bread in Communion

Etymology: 14th Century: from Late Latin fractiō a breaking into pieces, from Latin fractus broken, from frangere to break