Nū'mer-ā'tor, n.

n. [Lat. numerator, It. numeratore, Sp. numerador, Fr. numérateur.]

1. One who numbers.
2. (Arith.) The term in a vulgar fraction which indicates the number of fractional units that are taken; thus, when a unit is divided into 9 parts, and 5 are taken, it is expressed thus, ⁵⁄₉, 5 being the numerator, and 9 the denominator.

☞ In decimal fractions, the numerator is the number next following the decimal point, the denominator not being written; thus, .5 is five tenths.