proportion

/prəˈpɔr·ʃən/ n [C/U]

Definition

› a part or share of the whole, or the relationship between one thing and another in size, amount, or degree: [C] The proportion of the population that is over 65 has been growing. [pl] The occurrence of the disease has reached epidemic proportions. › Proportion is also the right relationship between one thing and another: [U] His anger was out of all proportion to the offense (= was much too strong). › art Proportion is also the correct relationship of the parts of a work of art to each other, especially in their size. › mathematics A proportion is also a equation (= mathematical statement) that shows two ratios (= comparisons) are equal.

(Definition of proportion n from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)