Nu″mer‐a″tor (?), n. [L. numerator: cf. F. numérateur.] 1. One who numbers.
2. (Math.) The term in a fraction which indicates the number of fractional units that are taken.
☞ In a vulgar fraction the numerator is written above a line; thus, in the fraction ⁵⁄₉ (five ninths) 5 is the numerator; in a decimal fraction it is the number which follows the decimal point. See Fraction.