Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing

floating-point
     
         A number representation consisting of a
        {mantissa}, M, an {exponent}, E, and an (assumed) {radix} (or
        "base") .  The number represented is M*R^E where R is the
        radix - usually ten but sometimes 2.
     
        Many different representations are used for the mantissa and
        exponent themselves.  The {IEEE} specify a {standard}
        representation which is used by many hardware floating-point
        systems.
     
        See also {floating-point accelerator}, {floating-point unit}.
     
        {Normalisation} is the process of converting a floating point
        number into {canonical} form where any number other than zero
        has a mantissa whose first digit is non-zero.
     
        Opposite: {fixed-point}.
     
        (1995-03-21)