exponential

== English == === Etymology === From exponent +‎ -ial. === Pronunciation === (UK) enPR: ĕk-spō-nĕn'-chəl, IPA(key): /ˌɛk.spəˈnɛn.t͡ʃəl/, /ˌɛk.spəʊˈnɛn.tʃəl/ (US, Canada) enPR: ĕk-spō-nĕn'-chəl, IPA(key): /ˌɛk.spəˈnɛn.t͡ʃəl/, /ˌɛk.spoʊˈnɛn.t͡ʃəl/ (General Australian, New Zealand) IPA(key): /ˌek.spəˈnen.t͡ʃəl/ === Adjective === exponential (Can we verify(+) this sense?) Relating to an exponent. (mathematics) Expressed in terms of an exponent (power of a base), the base often being 10 or e. (mathematics) Characterised by a rate of change that is proportional to the value of the varying quantity, or, equivalently, by a doubling or halving over successive fixed intervals of time or other parameter, described as exponential growth or exponential decay. Coordinate terms: arithmetic, geometric (loosely) Characterised by a very rapid rate of change, especially increase, or merely a very large amount or degree. Near-synonyms: extreme, huge ==== Usage notes ==== In non-technical contexts, the term is sometimes used loosely to refer to any kind of very rapid change, especially increase. This usage is often discouraged unless the change in question is truly exponential; synonyms such as dramatic may be favored instead. ==== Antonyms ==== nonexponential ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ==== === Noun === exponential (plural exponentials) (mathematics) Any function that has an exponent as an independent variable. Synonym: exponential function ==== Translations ==== === References === UCS - The World’s Population Hasn’t Grown Exponentially for at Least Half a Century “exponential”, in OneLook Dictionary Search.