fractal

noun

frac·​tal ˈfrak-tᵊl 

: any of various extremely irregular curves or shapes for which any suitably chosen part is similar in shape to a given larger or smaller part when magnified or reduced to the same size

fractal adjective

Did you know?

This term was coined in 1975 to describe shapes that seem to exist at both the small-scale and large-scale levels in the same natural object. Fractals can be seen in snowflakes, in which the microscopic crystals that make up a flake look much like the flake itself. They can also be seen in tree bark and in broccoli buds. Coastlines often represent fractals as well, being highly uneven at both a large scale and a very small scale. Fractal geometry has been important in many fields, including astronomy, physical chemistry, and fluid mechanics. And even some artists are benefiting, creating beautiful and interesting abstract designs by means of fractals.

Examples of fractal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Not all fractals are guaranteed to admit all kinds of knots. —Quanta Magazine, 26 Nov. 2024

There's also an infinity mirror and chain, fractal walk, baubles, bubbles and more. —Jordan Kellogg, The Enquirer, 24 Nov. 2024

Is there a relationship that’s well understood between these kinds of hierarchical scalings and things like fractal sets? —Quanta Magazine, 3 July 2024

Today, just 40 years after its discovery, the fractal has become a cliché, borderline kitsch. —Quanta Magazine, 26 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French fractal (adjective), fractale (noun), from Latin frāctus (past participle of frangere "to break, shatter") + French -al -al entry 1, -ale -al entry 2 — more at break entry 1

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

fractal

noun

frac·​tal ˈfrak-tᵊl 

: an irregular shape that looks the same at any scale on which it is examined