Nonlinear: meaning, definitions and examples

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nonlinear

 

[ nษ’nหˆlษชnษ™r ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

mathematics, science

Nonlinear refers to something that does not follow a straight line or proportional relationship. In mathematics, nonlinear equations are those that cannot be expressed as a linear combination of their variables. This term is often used to describe complex systems where outputs are not directly proportional to inputs. Nonlinear relationships can produce varied and unpredictable outcomes, making them essential for modeling real-world phenomena such as climate change and economic systems.

Synonyms

curvilinear, irregular, nonproportional

Examples of usage

  • The model produced nonlinear results due to the interaction of multiple variables.
  • In physics, many systems behave in a nonlinear manner under certain conditions.
  • Nonlinear dynamics can lead to chaotic behavior in a system.

Translations

Translations of the word "nonlinear" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น nรฃo linear

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค—เฅˆเคฐ เคฐเฅˆเค–เคฟเค•

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช nichtlinear

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ non-linier

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฝะตะปั–ะฝั–ะนะฝะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ nieliniowy

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้ž็ทšๅฝข

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท non linรฉaire

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ no lineal

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท doฤŸrusal olmayan

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋น„์„ ํ˜•

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุบูŠุฑ ุฎุทูŠ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ nenรญ lineรกrnรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ nelineรกrny

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้ž็บฟๆ€ง

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ nelinearen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ รณlinulega

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัั‹ะทั‹า›ั‚ั‹ ะตะผะตั

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒแƒ แƒแƒ–แƒแƒ›แƒ˜แƒ”แƒ แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ xษ™tti olmayan

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ no lineal

Etymology

The term 'nonlinear' is derived from the prefix 'non-' meaning 'not' and 'linear', which comes from the Latin word 'linearis' meaning 'belonging to a line'. The concept of linearity has been fundamental in mathematics and science since antiquity, as it simplifies the analysis of relationships between variables. However, as various fields evolved, particularly in the 20th century with advancements in chaos theory, nonlinear systems began to gain prominence. The increased complexity of natural systems, such as weather patterns and biological processes, necessitated a shift towards understanding nonlinear dynamics. Today, 'nonlinear' is commonly used across various disciplines, including physics, engineering, and economics, to describe situations where there is a deviation from a straightforward linear correspondence.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,481 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.