Denominator definitions

Webster's 1828 Dictionary

DENOMINATOR, n.
1. He that gives a name.
2. In arithmetic, that number placed below the line in vulgar fractions, which shows into how many parts the integer is divided. Thus in 3/5, 5 is the denominator, showing that the integer is divided into five parts; and the numerator 3 shows how many parts are taken, that is, three fifths.

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2005)

n
1: the divisor of a fraction

Merriam Webster's

noun Date: circa 1542 1. the part of a fraction that is below the line and that functions as the divisor of the numerator 2. a. a shared trait <a common denominator> b. the average level (as of taste or opinion) ; standard

Oxford Reference Dictionary

n. Math. the number below the line in a vulgar fraction; a divisor. Phrases and idioms: common denominator 1 a common multiple of the denominators of several fractions. 2 a common feature of members of a group. least (or lowest) common denominator the lowest common multiple as above. Etymology: F dénominateur or med.L denominator (as DE-, NOMINATE)

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Denominator De*nom"i*na`tor, n. [Cf. F. d['e]nominateur.] 1. One who, or that which, gives a name; origin or source of a name. This opinion that Aram . . . was the father and denomination of the Syrians in general. --Sir W. Raleigh. 2. (Arith.) That number placed below the line in vulgar fractions which shows into how many parts the integer or unit is divided. Note: Thus, in 3/5, 5 is the denominator, showing that the integer is divided into five parts; and the numerator, 3, shows how many parts are taken. 3. (Alg.) That part of any expression under a fractional form which is situated below the horizontal line signifying division. Note: In this sense, the denominator is not necessarily a number, but may be any expression, either positive or negative, real or imaginary. --Davies & Peck (Math. Dict. )

Collin's Cobuild Dictionary

(denominators) In mathematics, the denominator is the number which appears under the line in a fraction. N-COUNT see also common denominator, lowest common denominator