fractal

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noun frac·tal \ˈfrak-t^əl\

Definition of fractal

: any of various extremely irregular curves or shapes for which any suitably chosen part is similar in shape to a given larger or smaller part when magnified or reduced to the same size

fractal

adjective

See fractal defined for kids

Recent Examples of fractal from the Web

The Universe is a fractal running on a math equation that loops endlessly in on itself, a masterpiece of geometric patterns with no beginning and no end, and in this realization there is great freedom.

— kat bein, Billboard, "An-ten-nae Dives Deep Into Dreamy, Heady Bass With 'Medicine' LP: Listen", 31 May 2017
Inspired, Balmond set out to investigate the mathematical composition of fractals, and soon found that the golden ratio –

— jennifer kabat, WIRED, "The Informalist", 1 Apr. 2001

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fractal'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Did You Know?

This term was coined in 1975 to describe shapes that seem to exist at both the small-scale and large-scale levels in the same natural object. Fractals can be seen in snowflakes, in which the microscopic crystals that make up a flake look much like the flake itself. They can also be seen in tree bark and in broccoli buds. Coastlines often represent fractals as well, being highly uneven at both a large scale and a very small scale. Fractal geometry has been important in many fields, including astronomy, physical chemistry, and fluid mechanics. And even some artists are benefiting, creating beautiful and interesting abstract designs by means of fractals.