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.

"These chalcogenides are excellent materials for photonics because of their high transparency and nonlinearity," Park said.

From Science Daily • Feb. 24, 2026

What sets this study apart is its initiative to incorporate brain-inspired nonlinearity into an AI construct, signifying a significant advancement in simulating human-like memory consolidation.

From Science Daily • Dec. 18, 2023

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