polynomials

Noun

polynomial (plural polynomials)

1. (strict-sense) An expression consisting of a sum of a finite number of terms, each term being the product of a constant coefficient and one or more variables raised to a non-negative integer power, such as a_nxⁿ+a_n-1xⁿ⁻¹+...+a_0x⁰.
   • Unfortunately, an analogous attack on the octic polynomial becomes exceedingly complicated.1999, William Dunham, Euler: The Master of Us All, Mathematical Association of America, published 1999, page 116
2. A taxonomic designation (such as of a subspecies) consisting of more than two terms.
3. A type of term consisting of multiple parts.
   • Alternatively, there are polynomials denoting stages of the day: tónglóng 曈昽 “ light at daybreak”; or meteorological phenomena, such as wùsōng 雾凇 “(soft) rime”, àidài 叆叇 “ (of clouds) dense”.2023, Martina Jemelková, “On the Nature of Zero-Meaning Sinograms: Typology and Thematic Classification”, in Studia Orientalia Slovaca, volume 22, number 2

See all 5 meanings of polynomial