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