Pronunciation: [fɹˈakʃənə͡l] (IPA) 
The word "fractional" is spelled as /ˈfrækʃənəl/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is pronounced as "frack" with the "a" sound as in "cat". The second syllable is pronounced as "shun" with the "u" sound as in "run". And the last syllable is pronounced as "uhl" with a schwa sound as in the word "dull". The word means relating to or constituting a fraction, and is commonly used in mathematics and finance.
Fractional is an adjective that originates from the noun "fraction," referring to a part or a proportion of a whole. When describing something as fractional, it means that it pertains to, is related to, or consists of fractions or fractional parts. This term is widely used across various fields, including mathematics, finance, and science.
In mathematics, fractional is primarily associated with the study of fractions. It can refer to any number or quantity expressed as a fraction, representing a division of one quantity into another. For instance, the fractional number ¾ represents a part of a whole that is divided into four equal parts. Similarly, in finance or economics, fractional ownership represents the division of shares or ownership of assets or companies into smaller, equal parts that individuals can possess.
Additionally, the term fractional is used to describe things that are incomplete or partial. It implies a division, divisional, or fragmented nature. For example, fractional distillation is a process in chemistry that separates a mixture into its constituent substances based on their different boiling points. Furthermore, fractional reserve banking is a banking system where banks keep only a fraction of their total deposits as reserves, while lending out the rest.
In conclusion, fractional is an adjective that embodies the concept of parts or proportions, whether involving fractions in mathematics, division of shares or ownership in finance, or division and fragmentation in various fields.
Relating to a fraction; done a part at a time or in successive stages.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Pert. to fractions.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word fractional originated from the Latin word fractus, which means broken or divided. From Latin, it evolved into the Middle English term fraccio, meaning broken piece or fragment. In mathematics, a fraction represents a part or a broken or divided piece of a whole, hence the term fractional.
