one-sixth
UK[ˌwʌn ˈsɪksθ]US[ˌwʌn ˈsɪksθ]
n
One of six equal parts of something; the quotient of one divided by six.
Morpheme Breakdown
one
sixth
one
1
sixth
ordinal of 6
Etymology
The word "one-sixth" is a modern English compound formed by combining the cardinal number "one" with the ordinal number "sixth." This structure follows a consistent and logical Germanic pattern for forming fractional nouns, seen in terms like "one-half" or "one-tenth." The ordinal suffix "-th," derived from Proto-Germanic -dô, transforms the cardinal number into a form denoting position or division. Thus, the literal construction "the first of six parts" directly and transparently conveys the abstract mathematical concept of the fraction 1/6.
Analysis
Structure: one (1) + sixth (ordinal of 6)
- one: From Old English 'ān', meaning the number one. It functions as the cardinal number in this compound.
- sixth: From Old English 'sixta', the ordinal form of 'six', meaning "constituting number six in a sequence." It functions as the fractional denominator in this compound.
Examples
One-sixth of the total revenue was allocated to research and development.
Reduce the recipe by one-sixth if you are using a smaller pan.
The inheritance law stipulated that the eldest son would receive one-sixth of the estate.