1.
[syn: complex fraction, compound fraction]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Fraction \Frac"tion\, n. [F. fraction, L. fractio a breaking,
fr. frangere, fractum, to break. See Break.]
1. The act of breaking, or state of being broken, especially
by violence. [Obs.]
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Neither can the natural body of Christ be subject to
any fraction or breaking up. --Foxe.
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2. A portion; a fragment.
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Some niggard fractions of an hour. --Tennyson.
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3. (Arith. or Alg.) One or more aliquot parts of a unit or
whole number; an expression for a definite portion of a
unit or magnitude.
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Common fraction, or Vulgar fraction, a fraction in which
the number of equal parts into which the integer is
supposed to be divided is indicated by figures or letters,
called the denominator, written below a line, over which
is the numerator, indicating the number of these parts
included in the fraction; as 1/2, one half, 2/5, two
fifths.
Complex fraction, a fraction having a fraction or mixed
number in the numerator or denominator, or in both.
--Davies & Peck.
Compound fraction, a fraction of a fraction; two or more
fractions connected by of.
Continued fraction, Decimal fraction, Partial fraction,
etc. See under Continued, Decimal, Partial, etc.
Improper fraction, a fraction in which the numerator is
greater than the denominator.
Proper fraction, a fraction in which the numerator is less
than the denominator.
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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Complex \Com"plex\ (k[o^]m"pl[e^]ks), a. [L. complexus, p. p. of
complecti to entwine around, comprise; com- + plectere to
twist, akin to plicare to fold. See Plait, n.]
1. Composed of two or more parts; composite; not simple; as,
a complex being; a complex idea.
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Ideas thus made up of several simple ones put
together, I call complex; such as beauty, gratitude,
a man, an army, the universe. --Locke.
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2. Involving many parts; complicated; intricate.
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When the actual motions of the heavens are
calculated in the best possible way, the process is
difficult and complex. --Whewell.
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Complex fraction. See Fraction.
Complex number (Math.), in the theory of numbers, an
expression of the form a + b[root]-1, when a and b are
ordinary integers.
Syn: See Intricate.
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WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
complex fraction
n 1: a fraction with fractions in the numerator or denominator
[syn: complex fraction, compound fraction]