self-similarity

noun

self-sim·​i·​lar·​i·​ty ˌself-ˌsi-mə-ˈler-ə-tē How to pronounce self-similarity (audio)
-ˈla-rə-
: the quality or state of having an appearance that is invariant upon being scaled larger or smaller
magnify the fractal and you can see the self-similarity of its edge
self-similar adjective

Examples of self-similarity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web These different kinds of self-similarity correspond to very different dynamics and therefore require different types of renormalization to relate one scale to another. Quanta Magazine, 26 Jan. 2024 This is a kind of self-similarity — a pattern that repeats at changing scales — which can sometimes be used to show that a particular tiling can’t translate onto itself, because doing so would distort length. Quanta Magazine, 23 May 2023

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

Word History

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-similarity was in 1967

Dictionary Entries Near self-similarity

Cite this Entry

“Self-similarity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-similarity. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on self-similarity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!