exponential

American  

[ek-spoh-nen-shuhl, -spuh-] / ˌɛk spoʊˈnɛn ʃəl, -spə- /

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.

3. rising or expanding at a steady, rapid rate.

   a city experiencing exponential growth.

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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 British  

/ 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.  exp.  maths raised to the power of e, the base of natural logarithms

3. of or involving an exponent or exponents

4. informal very rapid

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noun

1. maths an exponential function, etc

exponential Scientific  

/ 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.

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Other Word Forms

• exponentially adverb
• nonexponential adjective

Etymology

Origin of exponential

First recorded in 1695–1705; exponent + -ial

Example Sentences

Research published by Bristol University and others in the British Journal of Surgery in 2020 showed an "exponential increase" over a similar period, with the conclusions supported by findings from both European and American studies.

From Barron's

For Brent to extend gains further, it must hold above the 55-day exponential moving average, which is now at $63.80/bbl, the strategist adds.

From The Wall Street Journal

With the exponential advances in AI, "the phenomenon is growing," said Jens-Christian Wagner, director of the foundation that manages the Buchenwald and Mittelbau-Dora memorials.

From Barron's

Shares are now pressing up against a double bottom pivot at $454.40 and a decisive move above that level would also recapture the 21-day exponential moving average and help restore momentum.

From Barron's

The proposal asks for contributions from people who will quickly recoup what they are taxed given the exponential growth of their assets, he said.

From Los Angeles Times