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common denominator

noun

Mathematics.��a number that is a multiple of all the denominators of a set of fractions.
a trait, characteristic, belief, or the like common to or shared by all members of a group.
Dedication to the cause of freedom was the common denominator of the American revolutionaries.

common denominator

noun

an integer exactly divisible by each denominator of a group of fractions: 1/ 3 , 1/ 4 , and 1/ 6 have a common denominator of 12
a belief, attribute, etc, held in common by members of a class or group

common denominator

A quantity into which all the denominators of a set of fractions may be divided without a remainder. For example, the fractions 1/3 and 2/5 have a common denominator of 15.

common denominator

A number that will allow fractions with different denominators to be converted into fractions with the same denominator, so that these fractions can be added or subtracted. The fractions can be expressed as whole numbers divided by the common denominator. Thus, 12 is a common denominator for 1/3 and 1/4, since they can be written as 4/12 and 3/12, respectively. (See lowest common denominator.)

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Figuratively, a common denominator is a common factor in different events: “The common denominator in these crimes is the use of inside knowledge of computer ��ٱ𳾲�.”

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Word History and Origins

Origin of common denominator¹

First recorded in 1585–95

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

But the common denominator is supporting a robust immune function, Topol said.

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And adults assume that’s what kids want, so we lean into the lowest common denominator — which actually harms them, because those are the most important years for development.

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And at the Immersive Invitational, where productions ranged from goofy to heavy, there was an underlying common denominator, and that is that immersive play can inspire radical joy.

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On the shores of Lake Baringo in Kenya’s Rift Valley, an unusual common denominator has helped bring peace to two warring communities after generations of fighting: the love of giraffes.

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He was described in court as the "common denominator" - having been charged with planning and transferring criminal property, as well as burglary.

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common decency common difference

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