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ratio
noun
ra·tio
ˈrā-shē-ˌō
-(ˌ)shō
plural ratios
1
a
: the indicated quotient of two mathematical expressions
b
: the relationship in quantity, amount, or size between two or more things : proportion
2
: the expression of the relative values of gold and silver as determined by a country's currency laws
Examples of ratio in a Sentence
What is the length-to-width ratio?
the ratio of students to teachers in the school is nine to one
Recent Examples on the Web
This increase in cost ratio is due to lower profit margins across all business segments.
—Quartz Bot, Quartz, 15 Nov. 2024
However, some research indicates that people who use cannabis are more likely to initiate opioid use, with an odds ratio of 2.76 compared to non-cannabis users.
—Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 14 Nov. 2024
Levine would be fired for season 2 and later producers would tweak that ratio — naturally preferring the Superman aspects — but also going to cartoonish lengths to prolong its eponymous romance.
—Joshua Rivera, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2024
Honeywell did, however, realize a book-to-bill ratio of 1.1 times thanks to a 2% organic increase in orders.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2024
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Word History
Etymology
Latin, computation, reason — more at reason entry 1
First Known Use
1660, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Phrases Containing ratio
Articles Related to ratio
Dictionary Entries Near ratio
Cite this Entry
“Ratio.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ratio. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
ratio
noun
ra·tio
ˈrā-shō
-shē-ˌō
plural ratios
1
: the quotient of two numbers or mathematical expressions
the ratio of 6 to 3 may be expressed as 6:3, ⁶⁄₃, and 2
2
: the relationship in quantity, amount, or size between two or more things
women outnumbered men in the ratio of three to one
Medical Definition
ratio
noun
ra·tio
ˈrā-(ˌ)shō, -shē-ˌō
plural ratios
: the relationship in quantity, amount, or size between two or more things see sex ratio
More from Merriam-Webster on ratio
Nglish: Translation of ratio for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of ratio for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ratio
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