Fibonacci numbers

[ fee-boh-nah-chee ]

plural noun

, Mathematics.

1. the unending sequence 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, … where each term is defined as the sum of its two predecessors.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Fibonacci numbers¹

1890–95; after Leonardo Fibonacci, 13th-century Italian mathematician

Example Sentences

Fibonacci numbers also occur in the spiral arrangements on the surfaces of pinecones, pineapples, cauliflower and sunflowers.

From Literature

The numbers of spirals you can count in both directions are consecutive Fibonacci numbers.

From Literature

This helps explain why the Fibonacci numbers are so prevalent in natural systems.

From Literature

The natural world has a predilection for Fibonacci numbers.

From Literature

Fibonacci numbers occur because they provide the nearest whole-number ratios for the golden angle.

From Literature