Some niggard fractions of an hour.
Tennyson.
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.
Common, 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 Ω, one half, , 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.
Frac"tion, v. t. (Chem.) To separate by means of, or to subject to,
fractional distillation or crystallization; to fractionate; --
frequently used with out; as, to fraction out a certain grade of oil
from pretroleum.
Frac"tion*al (?), a. 1. Of or pertaining to fractions or a fraction;
constituting a fraction; as, fractional numbers.
2. Relatively small; inconsiderable; insignificant; as, a fractional
part of the population.
Fractional crystallization (Chem.), a process of gradual and
approximate purification and separation, by means of repeated solution
and crystallization therefrom. -- Fractional currency, small coin, or
paper notes, in circulation, of less value than the monetary unit. --
Fractional distillation (Chem.), a process of distillation so conducted
that a mixture of liquids, differing considerably from each other in
their boiling points, can be separated into its constituents.
Frac"tion*al*ly, adv. By fractions or separate portions; as, to distill
a liquid fractionally, that is, so as to separate different portions.