geometric progression

noun

: a sequence (such as 1, ¹/₂, ¹/₄) in which the ratio of a term to its predecessor is always the same

called also geometrical progression, geometric sequence

Examples of geometric progression in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The breadth of its reach, the seeming geometric progression of events, along with the chaotic manner in which information is unfolding, makes it a little difficult to maintain a grasp on what’s going on. Amanda Petrusich, The New Yorker, 20 Mar. 2020 This kind of sequence is called a geometric progression. Quanta Magazine, 6 Feb. 2019 There is the more geometric stuff, which uses a lot of repetition (shapes and curves) and plays with optics using fairly precise geometric progressions. Duff McDonald, WIRED, 20 Aug. 2019 In general, grids produced from geometric progressions have few distinct products, but many distinct sums, whereas grids produced from arithmetic progressions will have the opposite property: few distinct sums, but many distinct products. Quanta Magazine, 6 Feb. 2019 His geometric progression of shapes is forever logical, kept from sterility by a masterful use of water, light and air. R. Daniel Foster, latimes.com, 28 June 2019 This contrasts with a geometric progression, in which the numbers are successively multiplied by the same amount and grow exponentially. Eugenia Cheng, WSJ, 5 Dec. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1856, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of geometric progression was circa 1856

Dictionary Entries Near geometric progression

Cite this Entry

“Geometric progression.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/geometric%20progression. Accessed 10 Nov. 2024.

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