Relating to or expressed as a fraction; constituting only a small part of something larger. Describes something partial, incomplete, or representing a portion rather than a whole.
From Latin 'fractio' meaning a breaking, from 'frangere' (to break). The mathematical sense developed in the 17th century as mathematical notation became standardized, with the adjectival form following standard patterns.
The word 'fractional' literally means 'broken' - fractions represent numbers that have been 'broken' into parts. This breaking metaphor appears throughout mathematics, from 'fraction' itself to 'refraction' of light, which 'breaks' or bends rays.
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