Definition of rational

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< ration

rationale >

ra·tion·al    (rsh-nl) KEY  

ADJECTIVE:

1. Having or exercising the ability to reason.
2. Of sound mind; sane.
3. Consistent with or based on reason; logical: rational behavior. See Synonyms at logical.
4. Mathematics Capable of being expressed as a quotient of integers.

NOUN:
Mathematics

A rational number.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English racional, from Old French racionel, from Latin ratinlis, from rati , ratin-, reason ; see reason

OTHER FORMS:
ration·al·ly (Adverb), ration·al·ness (Noun)

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