polynomial

A mathematical expression adding terms with numbers and variables raised only to whole-number powers of zero or more.

• We can factor this polynomial.
• The polynomial has three terms.
• She found the roots of two polynomials.

Common phrases: quadratic polynomial, polynomial equation, factor a polynomial

A scientific name for a living thing that contains more than two words.

• The plant was listed under a polynomial.
• This polynomial contains four Latin words.
• Older botanical works often used polynomials to name plants.

Similar words: polynomial name

Common phrases: botanical polynomial, taxonomic polynomial, a Latin polynomial

A term made up of several separate parts.

• The author calls this multipart term a polynomial.
• Each part of the polynomial has a separate role.
• The system combines several elements into a polynomial.

Similar words: multipart term

Common phrases: a complex polynomial, parts of a polynomial

Described by, or kept within a limit set by, a mathematical expression with whole-number powers.

• The graph shows a polynomial function.
• This algorithm runs in polynomial time.
• We found a polynomial bound for the number of steps.

Common phrases: polynomial function, polynomial time, polynomial growth, polynomial bound

Relating to a name or other term made up of several parts.

• The plant has a polynomial name.
• Polynomial naming was common in early botanical books.
• The catalogue preserves several polynomial designations.

Common phrases: polynomial name, polynomial naming, polynomial designation