[ 'frakʃ(ə)n ]
■ noun
1》 a numerical quantity that is not a whole number (e.g. 1/2, 0.5).
2》 a small or tiny part, amount, or proportion.
↘a dissenting group within a larger one.
3》 Chemistry each of the portions into which a mixture may be separated according to a physical property such as boiling point or solubility.
4》 (usu. the Fraction ) (in the Christian Church) the breaking of the Eucharistic bread.
Origin
ME: via OFr. from eccles. L. fractio(n-) 'breaking (bread)', from L. frangere 'to break'.