Nonlinear

Alternative forms

• non-linear

Origin

- + linear

Full definition of nonlinear

Adjective

1. (of a set of points) not lying on a straight line
2. (chemistry, of a molecule) whose atoms do not lie in a straight line
3. (mathematics, of a function) having a product of independent variables, or a variable with an exponent not equal to one
4. (of a system) whose output is not directly proportional to its input
5. erratic and unpredictable; tending to jump back and fortha film with a nonlinear plot

Antonyms

• linear

Derived terms

• nonlinearity