Word
logarithmic
Phoneticslog·a·rith·mic, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌɫɑɡɝˈɪðmɪk/
UK/lˌɒɡəɹˈɪθmɪk/
Definition
adj. describing a way of measuring things where the numbers grow very quickly. Instead of adding, each step on the scale multiplies the previous number.
adj. relating to or expressed in terms of logarithms, where a value represents the power to which a fixed base must be raised. Often describes scales used to measure phenomena with a vast range of intensities.
Examples
“The Richter scale for earthquakes is logarithmic.”
“Because the sound intensity varies so much, engineers use a logarithmic scale called decibels to measure it.”
“In a logarithmic progression, equal distances on the axis represent equal ratios of change rather than equal increments of value, allowing for the visualization of exponential growth patterns.”
Examples
simple
“The Richter scale for earthquakes is logarithmic.”
contextual
“Because the sound intensity varies so much, engineers use a logarithmic scale called decibels to measure it.”
complex
“In a logarithmic progression, equal distances on the axis represent equal ratios of change rather than equal increments of value, allowing for the visualization of exponential growth patterns.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “logarithmic” in context.
Verb
01. apply logarithmic
“We need to apply logarithmic transformations to normalize the data set.”
verb + adj
02. use logarithmic
“Scientists use logarithmic scales to measure the intensity of earthquakes.”
verb + adj
Adjective
03. purely logarithmic
“The relationship between the two variables is purely logarithmic.”
adv + adj
04. strictly logarithmic
“The sensor output follows a strictly logarithmic progression.”
adv + adj
Noun
05. logarithmic function
“Students must learn how to differentiate a logarithmic function.”
adj + noun
06. logarithmic growth
“The algorithm shows logarithmic growth in processing time as data increases.”
adj + noun
07. logarithmic scale
“The Richter scale is a well-known example of a logarithmic scale.”
adj + noun
08. logarithmic spiral
“The shell of a nautilus often follows the shape of a logarithmic spiral.”
adj + noun
09. increase at a logarithmic rate
“The complexity of the task increases at a logarithmic rate.”
10. plot on a logarithmic scale
“The data is easier to visualize when you plot it on a logarithmic scale.”
Usage
Typically used in technical, mathematical, or scientific contexts; often precedes nouns like 'scale', 'growth', or 'function'.
Real-World Examples
“An earthquake's magnitude is measured by a logarithmic scale that gets bigger with every unit, so that a quake of magnitude 7 is more than 30 times stronger than one of magnitude 6.” “Earthquake magnitudes are measured on a logarithmic scale, which means the amount of energy released by a quake increases by more than 30 times for each whole number.” “The scale is logarithmic, meaning a whole number increase in magnitude represents a 10-fold jump in the size of the earthquake.” “According to the current logarithmic earthquake scale, an increase of one whole number, such as 70 to8., signifies a 32-fold rise in energy release.” Etymology
From logarithm + -ic.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
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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