logarithmic scale

noun

: a scale on which the actual distance of a point from the scale's zero is proportional to the logarithm of the corresponding scale number rather than to the number itself compare arithmetic scale

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web But the February 6 earthquake was a 7.8—about four times bigger on the logarithmic scale of earthquake magnitudes. Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, 22 Feb. 2023 Earthquake magnitudes at this size are measured in the logarithmic scale: moment magnitude. Daniel Wolfe, Washington Post, 9 Feb. 2023 Although today's quake technically satisfies that prediction, the logarithmic scale used for measuring the power of earthquakes means that a magnitude-8.9 earthquake releases well over 100 times more energy than does a magnitude-7.5 quake. Patrick Morgan, Discover Magazine, 11 Mar. 2011 This experimental setup approximates quakes of magnitudes 4 through 8, which is quite a range, since earthquakes are measured on a logarithmic scale. Ashley P. Taylor, Discover Magazine, 8 Oct. 2012 Using a logarithmic scale, the Sun, Mercury, and Mars are all within the same area. Joshua Hawkins, BGR, 26 Aug. 2022 Sound pressure measurements are on a logarithmic scale, meaning that a small numerical increase in the data represents a substantial noticeable difference in the real world. Caleb Miller, Car and Driver, 18 May 2022 The right panel, using a logarithmic scale shows earthquake numbers at both locations are rising exponentially at the same rate of increase. Ian Palmer, Forbes, 21 Sep. 2021 Two decibels may not seem like much, but sound pressure is a logarithmic scale. K.c. Colwell, Car and Driver, 26 June 2021 See More

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

Word History

First Known Use

1740, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of logarithmic scale was in 1740

Dictionary Entries Near logarithmic scale

Cite this Entry

“Logarithmic scale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/logarithmic%20scale. Accessed 23 Mar. 2023.

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!


Challenging Standardized Test Words, Vol. 2

  • a pencil broken in half on top of a test answer sheet
  • The business’s new computer system proved not to be a panacea.
Spell It

Hear a word and type it out. How many can you get right?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY