polynomial
n. countablen. a mathematical expression that is made of several parts added together. Each part usually has a number and a letter raised to a power, like 3x² + 2x + 5.
n. an algebraic expression consisting of variables and coefficients, involving only the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and non-negative integer exponents. Often used in the context of calculus and coordinate geometry.
The teacher asked us to solve the polynomial for x.
Engineers use a polynomial to model the curve of the bridge's support cables.
While a linear equation represents a straight line, a higher-degree polynomial can describe complex curves and fluctuations in data sets over time.
From poly- + -nomial, from νομός (nomós, “portion, part”), by analogy with binomial.
Commonly paired with 'degree' to describe the highest power of the variable.