Definition: Percent

Etymology

From New Latin per centum (“by the hundred”).

Adverb

1. For every hundred (used with preceding numeral to form a noun phrase expressing a proportion).

   A resolution must receive fifty-one percent of the votes to pass.

Usage notes

• A percentage is often denoted by the character %.

  50% denotes 50 percent.

• The difference of two percentages is measured by percentage point, not by percent.
• In the UK, per cent is the normal form.

Noun

percent (plural percent or percents)

1. A percentage, a proportion (especially per hundred).

   only a small percent attain the top ranks

2. One part per hundred; one percent.
3. The percent sign, %.
4. An annuity or security with a certain fixed and guaranteed annual percentage rate of return or percentage dividend.

Credits

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