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repeating decimal
noun
: a decimal in which after a certain point a particular digit or sequence of digits repeats itself indefinitely compare terminating decimal
Examples of repeating decimal in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The real numbers, for example, include every point on the number line, even the strange ones like π that have endless, non-repeating decimal representations.
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Quanta Magazine, 20 Feb. 2019
The short way to say this is that pi is an irrational number, one that cannot be represented as a fraction and thus has an infinite and never-repeating decimal expansion.
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Dan Rockmore /, NBC News, 14 Mar. 2018
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'repeating decimal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1773, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of repeating decimal was
in 1773
Dictionary Entries Near repeating decimal
Cite this Entry
“Repeating decimal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repeating%20decimal. Accessed 11 Sep. 2024.
Kids Definition
repeating decimal
noun
: a decimal in which after a certain point a particular digit or sequence of digits repeats itself indefinitely compare terminating decimal
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