Exponential
/ˌɛkspəˈnɛnʃəl/noun
Relating to or involving an exponent, or increasing at a rapidly accelerating rate.
Did you know?The word ultimately comes from Latin exponere, meaning “to set forth” or “to explain,” because early mathematical terms for powers grew out of the idea of laying numbers out visibly on the page.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
exponere
“to put out, set forth, explain”
Late Latin
Latin
exponentem
“one who sets forth; a mathematical term for a power or index”
16th Century
English
exponent
“a symbol or number indicating a power”
17th Century
English
exponential
“pertaining to exponents”
Modern English
English
exponential
“relating to an exponent or growing at an accelerating rate”