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polynomial
[ pol-uh-noh-mee-uhl ]
adjective
- consisting of or characterized by two or more names or terms.
noun
- Algebra.
- (in one variable) an expression consisting of the sum of two or more terms each of which is the product of a constant and a variable raised to an integral power: ax 2 + bx + c is a polynomial, where a, b, and c are constants and x is a variable.
- a similar expression in more than one variable, as 4 x 2 y 3 − 3 xy + 5 x + 7.
- Now Rare. Also called multinomial. any expression consisting of the sum of two or more terms, as 4 x 3 + cos x.
- a polynomial name or term.
- Biology. a species name containing more than two terms.
polynomial
/ ˌpɒlɪˈnəʊmɪəl /
adjective
- of, consisting of, or referring to two or more names or terms
noun
- a mathematical expression consisting of a sum of terms each of which is the product of a constant and one or more variables raised to a positive or zero integral power. For one variable, x , the general form is given by: a 0 xn + a 1 xn –1+ … + an –1 x + an , where a 0 , a 1 , etc, are real numbers
- Also calledmultinomial any mathematical expression consisting of the sum of a number of terms
- biology a taxonomic name consisting of more than two terms, such as Parus major minor in which minor designates the subspecies
polynomial
/ pŏl′ē-nō′mē-əl /
- An algebraic expression that is the sum of two or more monomials. The expressions x 2 − 4 and 5 x 4 + 2 x 3 − x + 7 are both polynomials.
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Word History and Origins
Origin of polynomial1
First recorded in 1665–75; poly- + (bi)nomial
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Example Sentences
The two dots at the end are frequently omitted when the part affected includes all the terms of the polynomial to the end.
From Project Gutenberg
It was natural to inquire whether a similar theorem holds for integrals ∫R(s, z)dz wherein s is a cubic polynomial in z.
From Project Gutenberg
The last case arises when we consider the finite values of z for which the polynomial coefficient of sn vanishes.
From Project Gutenberg
But the polynomial method as a system was of short duration.
From Project Gutenberg
This polynomial expression was shortened by Linnæus to Zeus faber.
From Project Gutenberg
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