By itself, in a non-mathematical sense, this indicates a part of something. It also forms a part of other words: refraction, diffraction, infraction.
Somewhat related etymologically, fractal describes a shape that is formed of innumerable self-similar parts.
In the 1950s, diffraction gratings -- surfaces ruled with very fine closely-spaced lines -- were formed into subtly flashy jewelry; they made very nice cufflinks, of which I still have a pair. I'm trying to picture a Mandelbrot set (perhaps the canonical fractal curve) machined as a diffraction grating. I suspect it would be pretty eye-catching.
fraction
- Slava
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Re: fraction
Life is like playing chess with chessmen who each have thoughts and feelings and motives of their own.
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