decimal
UK[ˈdes.ɪ.məl]US[ˈdes.ə.məl]
adj
Based on or counted in tens or tenths.
n
A fraction whose denominator is a power of ten, written using a decimal point.
Morpheme Breakdown
decim
al
decim
tenth
al
adjective suffix
Etymology
The word decimal traces its lineage directly to Latin. Its core, decim-, originates from decem, the Latin word for "ten", which itself descends from the Proto-Indo-European root deḱm̥. The suffix -alis was a common Latin adjectival ending. The term entered English in the early 17th century, primarily through the Medieval Latin phrase decimalis (fraccio), meaning "(a fraction) of tenths". The logic is beautifully straightforward: the morphemes literally combine to mean "relating to tenths", which perfectly describes the modern numerical system based on divisions and multiples of ten.
Analysis
Structure: decim (tenth) + al (adjective suffix)
- decim: From Latin decimus, meaning "tenth". It functions as the core root conveying the concept of ten or tenth.
- al: A suffix of Latin origin (-alis) used to form adjectives meaning "of, relating to, or characterized by".
Examples
The country completed its transition to a decimal currency system years ago.
Convert the fraction three-quarters into a decimal.
The calculation requires an answer precise to three decimal places.