The word "decimal" is spelled with the letters D-E-C-I-M-A-L. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is spelled [ˈdɛs.ɪ.məl]. This means that the word starts with a voiced dental fricative sound, followed by the letters E-S, which are pronounced with a short "eh" vowel. Next, there is a stressed "i" sound, pronounced as "eye" and followed by a short "uh" sound represented by the letter "u". Lastly, there is an unstressed "a" sound pronounced with a short "uh" vowel, and finally an "l" sound pronounced with a syllabic "əl" sound.
Decimal is an adjective that refers to the numbering system based on the number ten. It is used to describe a system of counting or expressing numbers in which there are ten symbols, from zero to nine, which can be combined to represent any quantity. In the decimal system, place value is significant, and each digit's position in a number determines its value. The rightmost digit represents ones, the next digit to the left represents tens, and this pattern continues, with each successive position representing ten times the value of the position to its right.
Decimal is also used as a noun to denote a numerical value expressed in this system. It refers to the written representation of such a number, where digits are separated by a decimal point, with the position to the right of the decimal point representing fractions or parts of a whole. This system, commonly used worldwide, allows for easy comprehension and manipulation of numbers by utilizing a consistent base of ten.
In addition to its mathematical meaning, decimal can also be used to describe the division of something into ten equal parts or divisions. For example, in a decimal currency system, such as the U.S. dollar or the Euro, money is divided into units of one hundred cents, which can also be thought of as tenths or decimals of a whole unit.
• Numbered by tens; increasing or diminishing by ten times.
• A tenth.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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The word "decimal" originated from the Latin word "decimalis", which is derived from the Latin word "decimus", meaning "tenth". The word "decimus" is formed from the Latin word "decem", denoting "ten". Thus, the term "decimal" relates to the base-10 system, which is commonly used in mathematics, wherein numbers are expressed in powers of ten.