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noun
1.
Mathematics.

a number usually expressed in the form a/b.
a ratio of algebraic quantities similarly expressed.

2.
Chemistry. (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.
Ecclesiastical. (in a Eucharistic service) the breaking of the Host.
verb (used with or without object)
9.
to divide or break into fractions, sections, factions, etc.:
Dissension threatens to fraction the powerful union.
noun
1.
(maths)

a ratio of two expressions or numbers other than zero
any rational number that is not an integer

2.
any part or subdivision: a substantial fraction of the nation
3.
a small piece; fragment
4.
(chem) a component of a mixture separated by a fractional process, such as fractional distillation
5.
(Christianity) the formal breaking of the bread in Communion
6.
the act of breaking
verb
7.
(transitive) to divide

fraction frac·tion (frāk’shən)
n.

An expression that indicates the quotient of two quantities.

A chemical component separated by fractionation.

A disconnected piece; a fragment.

An aliquot portion or any portion.

fraction
(frāk’shən)

A number that compares part of an object or a set with the whole, especially the quotient of two whole numbers written in the form a/b. The fraction 1/2 , which means 1 divided by 2, can represent such things as 10 pencils out of a box of 20, or 50 cents out of a dollar. See also decimal fraction, improper fraction, proper fraction.

A chemical component separated by fractionation.

fraction definition

A mathematical expression representing the division of one whole number by another. Usually written as two numbers separated by a horizontal or diagonal line, fractions are also used to indicate a part of a whole number or a ratio between two numbers. Fractions may have a value of less than one, as with 1/2, or equal to one, as with 2/2, or more than one, as with 3/2. The top number of a fraction is the numerator and the bottom number is the denominator.