logarithm
1 synonym for logarithm, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The power to which a fixed base number must be raised to produce a given number.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
How to use logarithm
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
natural logarithm
base-10 logarithm
take the logarithm
logarithm of a number
It is a technical mathematical term, though people often shorten it to log.
Etymology
The word comes from New Latin logarithmus, a term coined by the Scottish mathematician John Napier. He built it from the Ancient Greek words lógos, meaning ratio or proportion, and arithmós, meaning number.
Full origin of logarithm →Frequently asked questions
What is a logarithm in simple terms?
A logarithm tells you what power a base number must be raised to in order to reach a given number. For example, the base-10 logarithm of 1000 is 3, because 10 cubed is 1000.
Who invented the logarithm?
The word logarithm was coined by the Scottish mathematician John Napier.
How do you pronounce logarithm?
In British English it is said LOG-uh-rith-uhm, with the stress on the first syllable.
