Definition of "exponential" in English

adjective

1. Relating to an exponent.

2. (mathematics) Expressed in terms of an exponent (power of a base), the base often being 10 or e.

   • In base-10 exponential form, 1,000,000 is written as 10⁶.
   • If not otherwise specified, "the" exponential function is normally understood to mean eˣ.

3. (mathematics) Characterised by a rate of change that is proportional to the value of the varying quantity, or, equivalently, by a doubling or halving over successive fixed intervals of time or other parameter, described as exponential growth or exponential decay.

   • There were two deaths on Monday, four on Tuesday, and eight on Wednesday. The rate of increase seems exponential.

4. (loosely) Characterised by a very rapid rate of change, especially increase, or merely a very large amount or degree.

   • Near-synonyms: extreme, huge
   • There's been an exponential rise in the number of crimes reported this year, compared to last year.

noun

1. (mathematics) Any function that has an exponent as an independent variable.