Fractal

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈfɹæk.tÉ™l/

Origin

From French fractal, from Latin fractus ("broken"), perfect passive participle of frangō ("break, fragment").

Full definition of fractal

Noun

1. (mathematics) A mathematical set that has a non-integer and constant Hausdorff dimension; a geometric figure that is self-similar at all scales.
2. (figurative) An object, system, or idea that exhibits a fractal-like property.
• 1999, John J. McGonagle, Carolyn M. Vella, The Internet Age of Competitive Intelligence, ISBN 1567202047.In essence, you are assuming that each segment of a company is a fractal of the whole...
• 2007, Vincent Spina, "Three Central American writers: alone between two cultures" in Carlota Caulfield, Darién J. Davis (eds) Companion to United States Latino Literatures, ISBN 185566139X.A fractal situation emerges in this way then: the consequences of Ulysses' decision to abandon Calypso are not entirely predictable.

Hyponyms

Derived terms

• fractal dimension
• multifractal

Adjective

1. (mathematics) Having the form of a fractal.

Derived terms

• fractal antenna
• fractal dimension
• fractal response time

Anagrams

• flatcar