exponential

[ ek-spoh-nen-shuhl, -spuh- ]

adjective

1. of or relating to an exponent or exponents.
2. Mathematics.
   1. of or relating to the constant e.
   2. (of an equation) having one or more unknown variables in one or more exponents none.
3. rising or expanding at a steady, rapid rate:

   a city experiencing exponential growth.

noun

1. Mathematics.
   1. the constant e raised to the power equal to a given expression, as e 3 x, which is the exponential of 3 x.
   2. any positive constant raised to a power.

exponential

/ ˌɛkspəʊˈnɛnʃəl /

adjective

1. maths (of a function, curve, series, or equation) of, containing, or involving one or more numbers or quantities raised to an exponent, esp e x
2. maths raised to the power of e, the base of natural logarithms exp
3. of or involving an exponent or exponents
4. informal.
   very rapid

noun

1. maths an exponential function, etc

exponential

/ ĕk′spə-nĕn′shəl /

1. Relating to a mathematical expression containing one or more exponents.
2. ◆ Something is said to increase or decrease exponentially if its rate of change must be expressed using exponents. A graph of such a rate would appear not as a straight line, but as a curve that continually becomes steeper or shallower.

Derived Forms

• ˌexpoˈnentially, adverb

Other Words From

• ex·po·nen·tial·ly adverb
• non·ex·po·nen·tial adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of exponential¹

First recorded in 1695–1705; exponent none + -ial none

Example Sentences

Airlines began trans-Atlantic jet passenger service in 1958, significantly cutting travel time and inaugurating a period of exponential growth in travel to Europe.

From New York Times

"Its current structure simply cannot deliver the change at exponential speed and scale, which is essential to ensure a safe climate landing for humanity," said its signatories.

From BBC

They could also turn to the transfer portal, which has become an increasingly large part of their recruiting strategy thanks to what Cronin described as exponential growth in name, image and likeness funding.

From Los Angeles Times

In his first three games, Prongos caught two passes and made 14 tackles while showing exponential improvement.

From Los Angeles Times

Time is a healer, she said, but the loss is exponential.

From BBC