A linear array of digits that represents a real number, every decimal place indicating a multiple of a negative power of 10. For example, the decimal 0.1 = 1/10 , 0.12 = 12/100 , 0.003 = 3/1000 . Also called decimal fraction.
A number written using the base 10.
adj.
Expressed or expressible as a decimal.
Based on 10.
Numbered or ordered by groups of 10.
[Medieval Latin decimālis, of tenths or tithes, from Latin decima, a tenth part or tithe, from decem, ten; see dek in Indo-European roots.] dec'i·mal·ly adv.
1608, from M.L. decimalis "of tithes or tenths," from L. decimus "tenth," from decem "ten." Applied to Arabic notation before modern sense of "decimal fractions" emerged.