noun
polynomial
pol-ee-NOH-mee-uhl
Polynomial (noun) means In algebra, an expression made of a finite sum of terms, each a constant multiplied by variables raised to whole-number powers. Example: “The expression x squared plus 3x plus 2 is a polynomial.”
noun
1
technical In algebra, an expression made of a finite sum of terms, each a constant multiplied by variables raised to whole-number powers.
"The expression x squared plus 3x plus 2 is a polynomial."
"Students learn to factorise a polynomial in secondary school maths."
"A polynomial with one variable is easier to graph than one with several."
2
technical In taxonomy, a name for an organism, such as a subspecies, that consists of more than two terms.
"Older botanical texts sometimes used a polynomial to name a plant."
"A polynomial in taxonomy is longer than a standard two-part name."
How to use polynomial
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA maths expression made by adding terms with variables raised to whole-number powers.
When to use it
It is a technical word used mainly in mathematics and related subjects.
Common pairings
quadratic polynomial
polynomial equation
polynomial function
degree of a polynomial
factorise a polynomial
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The expression x squared plus 3x plus 2 is a _____.
Etymology
The word is formed from poly- and -nomial, modelled on binomial. The -nomial part draws on a Greek word meaning portion or part.
Rhymes for polynomial
See all rhymes for polynomial →Frequently asked questions
What is a polynomial?
In algebra it is an expression that adds up a finite number of terms, each a constant times variables raised to non-negative whole-number powers.
Is polynomial a noun or an adjective?
It is both. As an adjective it describes something that can be expressed or limited by a polynomial.
What is the difference between a binomial and a polynomial?
A binomial is a kind of polynomial. The word polynomial covers expressions with any number of terms.
What is the meaning of polynomial?
"polynomial" (noun) means in algebra, an expression made of a finite sum of terms, each a constant multiplied by variables raised to whole-number powers.
