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denominator

noun/dɪˈnɑːmɪneɪtər/

definition

the bottom number in a fraction that shows how many equal parts the whole is divided into

example

In the fraction 3/4, the denominator tells us that the whole is divided into four equal parts.

synonyms
divisorfraction bottom part
word origin — from the Latin 'denominator', from 'denominare' meaning 'to name' or 'to designate'

denominator, mishap, precipitation, correlation, photosynthesis: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from TOEFL Vocabulary set 53. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

  1. denominator · noun/dɪˈnɑːmɪneɪtər/

    the bottom number in a fraction that shows how many equal parts the whole is divided into

    In the fraction 3/4, the denominator tells us that the whole is divided into four equal parts.

    Synonyms: divisor, fraction bottom part

    Origin: from the Latin 'denominator', from 'denominare' meaning 'to name' or 'to designate'

  2. mishap · noun/ˈmɪshæp/

    an instance of misfortune or an unfortunate accident

    Despite planning for weeks, the wedding was marred by a mishap when the cake collapsed moments before the ceremony.

    Synonyms: accident, misadventure, blunder

    Origin: The word 'mishap' originates from the Middle English 'mishap,' which combines 'mis-' (meaning 'badly' or 'wrongly') with 'hap' (meaning 'luck' or 'chance'), stemming from the Old Norse word 'hap,' which conveys the idea of fortune or luck.

  3. precipitation · noun/prɪˌsɪpɪˈteɪʃən/

    any form of water that falls from the atmosphere to the earth including rain snow sleet and hail

    The forecast predicts heavy precipitation this weekend, which could lead to localized flooding.

    Synonyms: precipitate, downfall, rain

    Origin: Late Middle English: from Latin praecipitatio(n-), from praecipitare 'throw down'.

  4. correlation · noun/ˌkɔːr.əˈleɪ.ʃən/

    a statistical measure that indicates the extent to which two or more variables fluctuate together

    The correlation between exercise frequency and levels of stress indicates that individuals who work out regularly tend to experience lower stress levels.

    Synonyms: relationship, connection, association

    Origin: from Latin 'correlatio', meaning 'to relate or bring together'

  5. photosynthesis · noun/ˌfoʊtəʊˈsɪnθəsɪs/

    the process by which green plants and some organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll

    During the process of photosynthesis, plants convert sunlight into energy, producing oxygen as a byproduct.

    Synonyms: light synthesis, chlorophyll process, photosynthetic process

    Origin: From the Greek 'photo' meaning 'light' and 'synthesis' meaning 'putting together.'