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

Examples of logarithmic scale in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Note that the chart below depicts S & P earnings on a logarithmic scale —S & P earnings have grown by more than ninefold since January 1991. —

Michael Khouw, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2024 Jeremy Reimer Messaging users over time, logarithmic scale. —

Jeremy Reimer, Ars Technica, 29 Apr. 2024 Because decibels are measured on a logarithmic scale, that’s a halving of sound energy, easily noticeable by the human ear. —

Joanne Silberner, Scientific American, 16 Apr. 2024 Graphed out using a logarithmic scale, this information showed up as a downward 45 degree slope, or a minus one slope. —

Rachel Feltman, Popular Science, 8 Nov. 2023 See all Example Sentences for logarithmic scale

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'logarithmic scale.' 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

1740, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of logarithmic scale was in 1740

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Logarithmic scale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/logarithmic%20scale. Accessed 25 Oct. 2024.

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