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denominador

denominator

noun deh-noh-mee-nah-DOHR Rare

Usage Note

Denominador is used both in mathematics (denominador común, 'common denominator') and in the figurative phrase mínimo común denominador ('lowest common denominator'), borrowed directly from arithmetic into social commentary. It derives from denominar ('to name, to designate') plus the agent suffix -dor. The matching term numerador (numerator) completes the fraction vocabulary. Always masculine in both the mathematical and figurative senses.

Examples

"Busca el mínimo común denominador de las fracciones."

Natural Translation

Find the lowest common denominator of the fractions.

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