'greatest common denominator' definitions:

Definition of 'greatest common denominator'

From: GCIDE
  • Denominator \De*nom"i*na`tor\, n. [Cf. F. d['e]nominateur.]
  • 1. One who, or that which, gives a name; origin or source of a name. [1913 Webster]
  • This opinion that Aram . . . was the father and denomination of the Syrians in general. --Sir W. Raleigh. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. (Arith.) That number placed below the line in common fractions which shows into how many parts the integer or unit is divided. [1913 Webster]
  • Note: Thus, in 3/5, 5 is the denominator, showing that the integer is divided into five parts; and the numerator,
  • 3, shows how many parts are taken. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. (Alg.) That part of any expression under a fractional form which is situated below the horizontal line signifying division. [1913 Webster]
  • Note: In this sense, the denominator is not necessarily a number, but may be any expression, either positive or negative, real or imaginary. --Davies & Peck (Math. Dict.) [1913 Webster]
  • common denominator a number which can divide either of two or more other numbers without leaving a remainder in any of the divisions; as, 2 and 4 are common denominators of
  • 12 and 28..
  • greatest common denominator the largest {common denominator} of two or more numbers; as, 9 is the greatest common denominator of 18 and 27.. [PJC]