Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Denominator
De-nom′i-naˊtor
,Noun.
[Cf. F.
dénominateur
.] 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 common fractions which shows into how many parts the integer or unit 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.
3.
(Alg.)
That part of any expression under a fractional form which is situated below the horizontal line signifying division.
☞ 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.)
Webster 1828 Edition
Denominator
DENOMINATOR
,Noun.
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.