The symbol <, typically used in mathematical contexts to denote that the quantity on the left of the sign is smaller than the quantity on the right of it.
Origin
Early 20th century; earliest use found in The British Medical Journal.
Definition of less-than sign in US English:
less-than sign
noun
The symbol <, typically used in mathematical contexts to denote that the quantity on the left of the sign is smaller than the quantity on the right of it.
Origin
Early 20th century; earliest use found in The British Medical Journal.