logarithm

noun

log·​a·​rithm ˈlȯ-gə-ˌri-t͟həm How to pronounce logarithm (audio)
ˈlä-
: the exponent that indicates the power to which a base number is raised to produce a given number
the logarithm of 100 to the base 10 is 2
logarithmic adjective
logarithmically adverb

Examples of logarithm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Babbage had built a prototype for an earlier device called the difference engine (currently on display at the Museum of Science in London), which could mechanically calculate a preset suite of operations such as certain logarithms and trigonometric functions. Jack Murtagh, Scientific American, 4 June 2024 During the trip Jack calculated for his father a table of logarithms, and as a reward, on the last day of the successful tests, John Scott decided his son should have a dive. Rachel Lance, WIRED, 16 Apr. 2024 Their functions included computing higher-order multiplications, exponents and logarithms, among other mathematical operations. Alex Traub, New York Times, 10 Feb. 2024 Computer scientists generally believe that there is no quick way to find the discrete logarithm with a classical computer. Kelsey Houston-Edwards, Scientific American, 16 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for logarithm 

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

Word History

Etymology

New Latin logarithmus, from log- + Greek arithmos number — more at arithmetic

First Known Use

circa 1616, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of logarithm was circa 1616

Dictionary Entries Near logarithm

Cite this Entry

“Logarithm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/logarithm. Accessed 14 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

logarithm

noun
log·​a·​rithm ˈlȯg-ə-ˌrit͟h-əm How to pronounce logarithm (audio)
ˈläg-
: the exponent that indicates the power to which a base number is raised to produce a given number
the logarithm of 100 to the base 10 is 2
logarithmic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on logarithm

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