noun
- numbers or fractions expressed in base 60, or relating to a system of counting by sixties
Usage: mathematical; historical
Examples
- Ancient Babylonians used sexagesimals for their mathematical calculations.
- The division of hours into 60 minutes reflects the influence of sexagesimals.
- Astronomers still use sexagesimals when measuring angles in degrees, minutes, and seconds.
- Understanding sexagesimals helps explain why we have 360 degrees in a circle.
- The mathematician converted the decimal fractions into sexagesimals for historical comparison.