sexagesimal: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “sexagesimal” mean?
Relating to or based on the number sixty.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Relating to or based on the number sixty.
Pertaining to a numeral system with a base of 60, as used in ancient Babylonian mathematics, and for measuring time and angles (e.g., 60 seconds in a minute, 360 degrees in a circle).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Neutral and technical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “sexagesimal” in a Sentence
[Adjective] + system/notation/base[Noun] + based on sexagesimalVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sexagesimal” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The tablet showed calculations in a complex sexagesimal format.
American English
- They studied the ancient sexagesimal numbering system.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in history of mathematics, astronomy, and historical studies.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used in specialised mathematical and historical descriptions of numeral systems.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sexagesimal”
- Mispronouncing the first syllable as /siːks/ (like 'seek') instead of /sɛks/ (like 'sex').
- Confusing it with other numeral system names like 'decimal' or 'hexadecimal'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a numeral system with a base of sixty, used historically by ancient civilizations like the Babylonians.
Yes, but only in specific contexts like measuring time (60 seconds, 60 minutes) and angles (360 degrees).
In British English, it's /ˌsɛksəˈdʒɛsɪm(ə)l/. In American English, it's often /ˌsɛksəˈdʒɛsəməl/.
It comes from the Latin word 'sexagesimus', meaning 'sixtieth'.
Relating to or based on the number sixty.
Sexagesimal is usually technical/scientific in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'sex' (Latin for six) and 'ages' – a system of six times ten (60) that has been used for ages.
Conceptual Metaphor
NUMBERS ARE CONTAINERS (for a specific base).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'sexagesimal' most commonly used?