Daily Almanac for
Feb 10, 2010
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frac•tion



Pronunciation: (frak'shun), [key]
—n.
1. Math.
a. a number usually expressed in the form a/b.
b. a ratio of algebraic quantities similarly expressed.
2. Chem.(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. Eccles.(in a Eucharistic service) the breaking of the Host.

—v.t., v.i.
to divide or break into fractions, sections, factions, etc.: Dissension threatens to fraction the powerful union.

Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.

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