a. [ F. décimal (cf. LL. decimalis), fr. L. decimus tenth, fr. decem ten. See Ten, and cf. Dime. ] Of or pertaining to decimals; numbered or proceeding by tens; having a tenfold increase or decrease, each unit being ten times the unit next smaller; as, decimal notation; a decimal coinage. [ 1913 Webster ]

Decimal arithmetic, the common arithmetic, in which numeration proceeds by tens. --
Decimal fraction, a fraction in which the denominator is some power of 10, as 2/10, 25/100, and is usually not expressed, but is signified by a point placed at the left hand of the numerator, as .2, .25. --
Decimal point, a dot or full stop at the left of a decimal fraction. The figures at the left of the point represent units or whole numbers, as 1.05. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. A number expressed in the scale of tens; specifically, and almost exclusively, used as synonymous with a decimal fraction. [ 1913 Webster ]

Circulating decimal, or
Circulatory decimal, a decimal fraction in which the same figure, or set of figures, is constantly repeated; as, 0.354354354; -- called also recurring decimal, repeating decimal, and repetend. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. same as decimalization.
Syn. -- decimalization. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

v. 1. same as decimalize.
Syn. -- decimalize. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n. The system of a decimal currency, decimal weights, measures, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. the act of changing to a decimal system; as, the decimalization of the British currency.
Syn. -- decimalisation. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

v. t. to convert the dominant units of measure (e.g. of currency) to a decimal-based system; to reduce to a decimal system; as, to decimalize the currency. -- Dec`i*mal*i*za"tion n. [1913 Webster]

adv. By tens; by means of decimals. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Decimated p. pr. & vb. n. Decimating ] [ L. decimatus, p. p. of decimare to decimate (in senses 1 & 2), fr. decimus tenth. See Decimal. ] 1. To take the tenth part of; to tithe. Johnson. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To select by lot and punish with death every tenth man of; as, to decimate a regiment as a punishment for mutiny. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To destroy a considerable part of; as, to decimate an army in battle; to decimate a people by disease. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. decimatio: cf. F. décimation. ] 1. A tithing. [ Obs. ] State Trials (1630). [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A selection of every tenth person by lot, as for punishment. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. The destruction of any large proportion, as of people by pestilence or war. Milman. [ 1913 Webster ]