noun
fractal
FRAK-tuhl
Fractal (noun) means a complex geometric shape whose pattern repeats at every scale, so zooming in reveals the same kind of structure again and again. Example: “The fern's leaves are a natural example of a fractal.”
noun
1
A complex geometric shape whose pattern repeats at every scale, so zooming in reveals the same kind of structure again and again.
"The fern's leaves are a natural example of a fractal."
"The software generated a colorful fractal from a simple equation."
adjective
1
Having a self-repeating pattern at every level of magnification.
"Coastlines have a fractal quality — jagged at every scale you look."
How to use fractal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA shape made of the same repeating pattern no matter how far you zoom in.
Common pairings
fractal pattern
fractal geometry
fractal image
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Word forms
- Plural
- fractals
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The fern's leaves are a natural example of a _____.
Etymology
Coined from Latin fractus ("broken"), the past participle of frangere ("to break").
Frequently asked questions
What does “fractal” mean?
The word “fractal” means a complex geometric shape whose pattern repeats at every scale, so zooming in reveals the same kind of structure again and again. In plain terms, a shape made of the same repeating pattern no matter how far you zoom in.
How do you pronounce “fractal”?
“Fractal” is pronounced FRAK-tuhl (/ˈfɹæk.təl/ in IPA).
How do you use “fractal” in a sentence?
Here is “fractal” used in a sentence: “The fern's leaves are a natural example of a fractal.”
What part of speech is “fractal”?
Depending on how it is used, “fractal” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “fractal” come from?
The word “fractal” comes from Latin. Coined from Latin fractus ("broken"), the past participle of frangere ("to break").
How many meanings does “fractal” have?
“Fractal” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a complex geometric shape whose pattern repeats at every scale, so zooming in reveals the same kind of structure again and again.
