order of magnitude

noun phrase

: a range of magnitude extending from some value to ten times that value

Examples of order of magnitude in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This set of evidence is more than an order of magnitude larger than previous findings, the study authors write. —

Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 May 2024 Mindful of concerns about the technical feasibility of robotic in-space assembly of satellites, each an order of magnitude larger than the International Space Station, the Caltech team has been looking at very different approaches to space solar power. —

IEEE Spectrum, 11 Apr. 2024 So the order of magnitude of the demand is astronomical. —

Fortune Editors, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2024 As a result, the scientists could reduce the input power the device required by roughly an order of magnitude. —

IEEE Spectrum, 12 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for order of magnitude

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

1875, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of order of magnitude was in 1875

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Order of magnitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/order%20of%20magnitude. Accessed 26 Jul. 2024.

Copy Citation