Chapter Deceiver to Decimeter of D by Webster's Dictionary (1913 Edition)

Decimal arithmetic

, the common arithmetic, in which numeration proceeds by tens. — Decimal fraction, a fraction in which the denominator is some power of 10, as &frac2x10, &fract25x100, and is usually not expressed, but is signified by a point placed at the left hand of the numerator, as .2, .25. — Decimal point, a dot or full stop at the left of a decimal fraction. The figures at the left of the point represent units or whole numbers, as 1.05.

Decimal
(Dec"i*mal), n. A number expressed in the scale of tens; specifically, and almost exclusively, used as synonymous with a decimal fraction.

Circulating, or Circulatory, decimal, a decimal fraction in which the same figure, or set of figures, is constantly repeated; as, 0.354354354; - - called also recurring decimal, repeating decimal, and repetend.

Decimalism
(Dec"i*mal*ism) n. The system of a decimal currency, decimal weights, measures, etc.

Decimalize
(Dec"i*mal*ize) v. t. To reduce to a decimal system; as, to decimalize the currency. — Dec`i*mal*i*za"tion n.

Decimally
(Dec"i*mal*ly), adv. By tens; by means of decimals.

Decimate
(Dec"i*mate) v. t. [imp. & p. p. Decimated ; p. pr. & vb. n. Decimating ] [L. decimatus, p. p. of decimare to decimate fr. decimus tenth. See Decimal.]

1. To take the tenth part of; to tithe. Johnson.

2. To select by lot and punish with death every tenth man of; as, to decimate a regiment as a punishment for mutiny. Macaulay.

3. To destroy a considerable part of; as, to decimate an army in battle; to decimate a people by disease.

Decimation
(Dec`i*ma"tion) n. [L. decimatio: cf. F. décimation.]

1. A tithing. [Obs.] State Trials

2. A selection of every tenth person by lot, as for punishment. Shak.

3. The destruction of any large proportion, as of people by pestilence or war. Milman.

Decimator
(Dec"i*ma`tor) n. [Cf. LL. decimator.] One who decimates. South.

Décime
(||Dé`cime") n. [F.] A French coin, the tenth part of a franc, equal to about two cents.

Decimeter
(Dec"i*me`ter, Dec"i*me`tre) n. [F. décimètre; pref. déci- tenth (fr. L. decimus) + mètre. See Meter.] A measure of length in the metric system; one tenth of a meter, equal to 3.937 inches.