logarithm

noun

log·​a·​rithm ˈlȯ-gə-ˌri-t͟həm How to pronounce logarithm (audio)
ˈlä-
: the exponent that indicates the power to which a base number is raised to produce a given number
the logarithm of 100 to the base 10 is 2
logarithmic adjective
logarithmically adverb

Examples of logarithm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recall that regressing the logarithm of bitcoin’s price against the logarithm of time generates a tight fit, and this is consistent with bitcoin's price following a power law. Korok Ray, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025 For cybersecurity, this means that quantum computers are closer to breaking traditional cryptographic methods like RSA and ECC, which rely on the computational infeasibility of factoring large numbers or solving discrete logarithms. Abdo Riani, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024 Given a set of possible characters in a message, Shannon’s formula defines the uncertainty about which character will appear next as the sum of the probability of each character appearing multiplied by the logarithm of that probability. Zack Savitsky, Quanta Magazine, 13 Dec. 2024 This relationship can be seen most visually by taking the logarithm of both sides. Korok Ray, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for logarithm

Word History

Etymology

New Latin logarithmus, from log- + Greek arithmos number — more at arithmetic

First Known Use

circa 1616, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of logarithm was circa 1616

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Cite this Entry

“Logarithm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/logarithm. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

logarithm

noun
log·​a·​rithm ˈlȯg-ə-ˌrit͟h-əm How to pronounce logarithm (audio)
ˈläg-
: the exponent that indicates the power to which a base number is raised to produce a given number
the logarithm of 100 to the base 10 is 2
logarithmic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on logarithm

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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