What is origin of the word decimal?

The word "decimal" comes from the Latin word "decimus", meaning "tenth". This makes sense, as decimals are a system of representing numbers based on powers of ten.

Here's a breakdown of the word's etymology:

* Latin "decimus": meaning "tenth"

* Latin "decem": meaning "ten"

* English "decimal": derived from "decimus", indicating a system based on tenths.

Essentially, the word "decimal" directly reflects the fundamental concept of the system: representing numbers using fractions with denominators that are powers of ten.