 |
|
| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z |
|
|
decimal
The commonly used number system, also known as denary, in which each place has a value 10 times the value of the place at its right. For example, 4327 in the decimal (base 10) system is shorthand for (4 × 103) + (3 × 102) + (2 × 101) + (7 × 100), where 100 = 1. "Decimal" comes from the Latin decimus for "tenth." The verb decimare, literally "to take a tenth of," was used to describe a form of punishment applied to mutinous units in the Roman army. The men were lined up and every tenth soldier was killed as a lesson to the rest. From this custom comes our word "decimate," which we use more loosely – in fact, incorrectly – to indicate near-total destruction. The Latin decimare was also used in a less ferocious sense to mean "to tax to the amount of one tenth." However, the usual word describing a one-tenth tax in English is tithe, which comes from the Old English teogotha, a form of tenth.
Related categories
• TYPES OF NUMBERS
• MATHEMATICS
Also on this site:
Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living
Encyclopedia of History
Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site)