exponential
UK: /ˌɛkspəˈnɛnʃ(ə)l/ | US: /ˌɛkspəˈnɛn(t)ʃ(ə)l/
adj. relating to or involving an exponent or exponents (mathematics)
adj. (of an increase) becoming more and more rapid
n. a function in which an independent variable appears as an exponent
exponential = ex<out> + pon<put> + ential<adjective suffix>
- ex (Latin ex-): "out, outward"
- pon (Latin ponere): "to put, place"
- ential (Latin -entia + English -al): forms adjectives indicating a state or quality
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin exponere ("to put forth, explain"), combining ex- (out) + ponere (to place). In mathematics, it evolved to describe quantities "placed out" as powers (e.g., xⁿ), reflecting rapid growth when applied to functions like population or compounding interest. The modern sense of "rapid increase" emerged from this mathematical logic.
The startup showed exponential growth in its first year.
Bacteria reproduce at an exponential rate under ideal conditions.
The equation includes an exponential function.
Technological advancements are increasing exponentially.
She studied the exponential decay of radioactive materials.