desimaali

Desimaali is a term used in several languages to denote decimal concepts. In general use, it refers to base-10 numbers, the decimal notation that expresses fractions, and the decimal separator that divides the integer part from the fractional part. The precise sense of the term varies by language and context, but all senses tie to the idea of tenths and finer subdivisions of units.

In mathematics and computing, desimaali denotes decimal notation, the use of digits 0–9 to represent numbers in base-10. This includes decimal fractions such as 0.5 or 3.14159, and it underpins floating-point arithmetic, currency calculations, and scientific measurements. The decimal separator can be a dot or a comma depending on locale.

Etymology and cognates: the word is related to Latin decimus (tenth) and has cognates in several European languages, such as Dutch desimaal and Finnish desimaali, with each language adopting it to describe decimal numbers or the decimal system.

Usage notes: In many countries, the term also covers the notion of decimal places—the number of digits to the right of the decimal separator. In computing and data exchange, standardized representations use the period as a decimal point in many programming languages, while some locales use a comma.

See also: decimal point, decimal numeral system, base-10, floating-point.