fractional

adjective

frac·​tion·​al ˈfrak-sh(ə-)nəl 

1

: of, relating to, or being a fraction

2

: of, relating to, or being fractional currency

3

: relatively small : inconsiderable

4

: of, relating to, or involving a process for separating components of a mixture through differences in physical or chemical properties

fractional distillation

fractionally adverb

Examples of fractional in a Sentence

There has been a fractional rise in the price of the stock.

There is only a fractional improvement in the new version.

Recent Examples on the Web

Growth decisions should be based on precise financial data, and an experienced fractional CFO can bring this clarity. —Melissa Houston, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024

This fractional ownership model for CBI is popular across the Caribbean, and is especially common at hotels (though investors can also put money into other types of infrastructure, like bridges and marinas). —Samuel Burke, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2024

NetJets has over 50 professional golfers in its fractional program, including eight of the last 10 Open champions. —Kevin Koenig, Robb Report, 19 June 2024

Steven Wasserman serves as the fractional CFO of two companies and teaches finance at Bentley University. —Steven Wasserman, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

fraction + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1650, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing fractional

• fractional currency

Kids Definition

fractional

adjective

frac·​tion·​al ˈfrak-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

1

: of, relating to, or being a fraction

fractional equivalents of percentages

2

: fairly small

fractionally

-ē

adverb

Medical Definition

fractional

adjective

frac·​tion·​al -shən-ᵊl, -shnəl 

: of, relating to, or involving a process for separating components of a mixture through differences in physical or chemical properties

fractional distillation