This opinion that Aram . . . was the father and
denomination of the Syrians in general. --Sir W.
Raleigh.
2. (Arith.) That number placed below the line in vulgar
fractions which shows into how many parts the integer or
unit is divided.
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.
3. (Alg.) That part of any expression under a fractional form
which is situated below the horizontal line signifying
division.
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. )