Word
fractal
Phoneticsfrac·tal, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈfɹæktəɫ/
UK/fɹˈæktəl/
Definition
n. a complex shape that looks the same no matter how much you zoom in or out. It is made by repeating a simple pattern over and over again.
n. a geometric shape that exhibits self-similarity at various scales, meaning that each part of the shape is a smaller copy of the whole. Often generated by recursive mathematical algorithms.
Examples
“The coastline looks like a fractal when you look at it from a distance.”
“Mathematicians use fractals to model natural phenomena like the branching of trees or the formation of clouds.”
“The Mandelbrot set is one of the most famous examples of a fractal, demonstrating how an infinitely complex boundary can be generated from a simple iterative equation.”
Examples
simple
“The coastline looks like a fractal when you look at it from a distance.”
contextual
“Mathematicians use fractals to model natural phenomena like the branching of trees or the formation of clouds.”
complex
“The Mandelbrot set is one of the most famous examples of a fractal, demonstrating how an infinitely complex boundary can be generated from a simple iterative equation.”
Real-World Examples
“Research has found that looking at natural fractals—repetitive patterns in flowers, ferns, mountains, and other nature scenes—produces more brain activity that’s associated with a relaxed yet wakeful state.” “This framework allows us to respect the importance of scale without prioritizing one level over another: Like a fractal, each level is equally complex.” Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/fractal