one-and-a-half
UK[ˌwʌn ən ə ˈhɑːf]US[ˌwʌn ən ə ˈhæf]
adj
Being one complete unit plus a half of another unit; amounting to 1.5.
n
The number or amount that is one and a half.
Etymology
The phrase "one-and-a-half" is a straightforward English construction from native Germanic elements. "One" derives from Old English "ān", meaning "a single unit". "And" comes from Old English "and", meaning "in addition to". "A" is the reduced form of the Old English numeral and article "ān", used here in its indefinite sense. "Half" originates from Old English "healf", meaning "side" or "part", specifically one of two equal parts. The logic of the phrase is purely arithmetic and literal, combining these elements to denote a quantity of one whole plus an additional half of a whole. Its formation follows the natural pattern of English number-naming for mixed fractions, creating a fixed compound that functions as a single adjective or noun.
Analysis
This is a fixed, idiomatic compound phrase. It is formed from the cardinal number "one", the conjunction "and", the indefinite article "a", and the noun "half". It functions as a single lexical unit.
Examples
The recipe calls for one-and-a-half cups of flour.
The movie runs for one-and-a-half hours.
She finished the race in one-and-a-half minutes, a new record.