self-similarity

noun

self-sim·​i·​lar·​i·​ty ˌself-ˌsi-mə-ˈler-ə-tē 

-ˈla-rə-

: the quality or state of having an appearance that is invariant upon being scaled larger or smaller

magnify the fractal and you can see the self-similarity of its edge

self-similar

ˌself-ˈsi-mə-lər 

-ˈsim-lər

adjective

Examples of self-similarity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

To sidestep the inconvenience of infinity, mathematicians have recently focused their search on singularities with a special property called self-similarity. — Quanta Magazine, 9 Jan. 2026

To see self-similarity in action, imagine connecting the star’s points with straight lines. — Steven Strogatz, New York Times, 16 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-similarity

• irregularity
• peculiarity
• subsidiarity
• unfamiliarity
• unpopularity
• alterity
• asperity
• austerity
• celerity
• dexterity
• disparity
• hilarity