/ ˈdesɪml; NAmE / adjective , noun
■ adjective
based on or counted in tens or tenths :
the decimal system
■ noun
(also ˌdecimal ˈfraction ) a fraction (= a number less than one) that is shown as a dot or point followed by the number of tenths, hundredths , etc. :
The decimal 0.61 stands for 61 hundredths.
—compare vulgar fraction
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WORD ORIGIN
early 17th cent.: from modern Latin decimalis (adjective), from Latin decimus tenth.