adj. & n.
adj. 1 (of a system of numbers, weights, measures, etc.) based on the number ten, in which the smaller units are related to the principal units as powers of ten (units, tens, hundreds, thousands, etc.). 2 of tenths or ten; reckoning or proceeding by tens.
n. a decimal fraction. decimal fraction a fraction whose denominator is a power of ten, esp. when expressed positionally by units to the right of a decimal point. decimal point a full point or dot placed before a numerator in a decimal fraction. decimal scale a scale with successive places denoting units, tens, hundreds, etc. decimally adv.
[ mod.L decimalis f. L decimus tenth ]