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improper fraction definitions

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WordNet (r) 3.0 (2005)

n
1: a fraction whose numerator is larger than the denominator

Merriam Webster's

noun Date: 1542 a fraction whose numerator is equal to, larger than, or of equal or higher degree than the denominator

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Fraction Frac"tion, n. [F. fraction, L. fractio a breaking, fr. frangere, fractum, to break. See Break.] 1. The act of breaking, or state of being broken, especially by violence. [Obs.] Neither can the natural body of Christ be subject to any fraction or breaking up. --Foxe. 2. A portion; a fragment. Some niggard fractions of an hour. --Tennyson. 3. (Arith. or Alg.) One or more aliquot parts of a unit or whole number; an expression for a definite portion of a unit or magnitude. Common, or Vulgar, fraction, a fraction in which the number of equal parts into which the integer is supposed to be divided is indicated by figures or letters, called the denominator, written below a line, over which is the numerator, indicating the number of these parts included in the fraction; as 1/2, one half, 2/5, two fifths. Complex fraction, a fraction having a fraction or mixed number in the numerator or denominator, or in both. --Davies & Peck. Compound fraction, a fraction of a fraction; two or more fractions connected by of. Continued fraction, Decimal fraction, Partial fraction, etc. See under Continued, Decimal, Partial, etc. Improper fraction, a fraction in which the numerator is greater than the denominator. Proper fraction, a fraction in which the numerator is less than the denominator.

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Improper Im*prop"er, a. [F. impropre, L. improprius; pref. im- not + proprius proper. See Proper.] 1. Not proper; not suitable; not fitted to the circumstances, design, or end; unfit; not becoming; incongruous; inappropriate; indecent; as, an improper medicine; improper thought, behavior, language, dress. Follow'd his enemy king, and did him service, Improper for a slave. --Shak. And to their proper operation still, Ascribe all Good; to their improper, Ill. --Pope. 2. Not peculiar or appropriate to individuals; general; common. [Obs.] Not to be adorned with any art but such improper ones as nature is said to bestow, as singing and poetry. --J. Fletcher. 3. Not according to facts; inaccurate; erroneous. Improper diphthong. See under Diphthong. Improper feud, an original feud, not earned by military service. --Mozley & W. Improper fraction. See under Fraction.