polynomial

1 of 2

noun

poly·​no·​mi·​al ˌpä-lə-ˈnō-mē-əl How to pronounce polynomial (audio)
: a mathematical expression of one or more algebraic terms each of which consists of a constant multiplied by one or more variables raised to a nonnegative integral power (such as a + bx + cx2)

polynomial

2 of 2

adjective

: relating to, composed of, or expressed as one or more polynomials
polynomial functions
polynomial equations

Examples of polynomial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The decision to settle on a cubic rather than quadratic function or even higher order polynomial is somewhat arbitrary. Korok Ray, Forbes, 13 Oct. 2024 Enumerating all the different ways of breaking up this sequence into smaller sequences generates a mathematical expression — one of the special polynomials. Charlie Wood, Quanta Magazine, 25 Sep. 2024
Adjective
The proof of the Mordell conjecture concerns the following situation: Suppose that a polynomial equation in two variables defines a curved line. Rachel Crowell, Scientific American, 9 Oct. 2024 So the polynomial in example A corresponds to the number 5, since its coefficients, 0101, are the number 5 written in binary, and the polynomial in example B corresponds to the number 14, since 1110 is the number 14 written in binary. Kevin Hartnett, Quanta Magazine, 6 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for polynomial 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'polynomial.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

poly- + -nomial (as in binomial)

First Known Use

Noun

1674, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

circa 1704, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of polynomial was in 1674

Dictionary Entries Near polynomial

Cite this Entry

“Polynomial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polynomial. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

polynomial

1 of 2 noun
poly·​no·​mi·​al ˌpäl-i-ˈnō-mē-əl How to pronounce polynomial (audio)
: an algebraic expression having two or more terms
the polynomial a2 + 2ab − b2

polynomial

2 of 2 adjective
: relating to, composed of, or expressed as one or more polynomials
7023 written as 7(103) + 0(102) + 2(101) + 3(100) is in polynomial form

More from Merriam-Webster on polynomial

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