nonlinearity

American

[non-lin-ee-ar-i-tee] / ˌnɒn lɪn iˈær ɪ ti /

noun

Mathematics. the quality of a function that expresses a relationship that is not one of direct proportion.
Electricity. deviation of an input-output relationship from one of direct proportionality.

Etymology

Origin of nonlinearity

First recorded in 1925–30; non- + linearity

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Zhou's method to improve materials' nonlinearity is a step closer to enabling those technologies.

From Science Daily • May 14, 2024

"When we combined these materials in just the right way, we were able to experimentally access a new regime of phononic nonlinearity," said Sandia engineer Lisa Hackett, the lead author on the paper.

From Science Daily • May 9, 2024

These shorter wavelengths are achieved when the trapped light in the cavity undergoes a process called all-optical poling, which induces what is known as second-order nonlinearity in the silicon nitride.

From Science Daily • Dec. 8, 2023

"There's a real nonlinearity lurking in there that we hadn't seen before," he said.

From Salon • Jun. 7, 2023

This new function allows us to give concrete examples whenever nonlinearity is useful.

From Definition & Reality in the General Theory of Political Economy by Colignatus, Thomas

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023