noun
denominator
dih-NO-mih-nay-tuh
noun
1
The number below the line in a fraction, showing how many equal parts a whole is divided into.
"In the fraction 3/4, the denominator is 4."
"To add fractions, you first need a common denominator."
How to Use Denominator
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe bottom number of a fraction.
Common mistake
Often confused with the numerator, which is the top number of the fraction.
Easily confused with
numerator
Common pairings
common denominator
lowest common denominator
Word Forms
denominators plural
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In the fraction 3/4, the _____ is 4.
Etymology
A learned borrowing from Late Latin dēnōminātor, "that which names."