fractal
noun
frac·tal
| \ ˈfrak-tᵊl
\
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Definition of fractal
: 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
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Examples of fractal in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
All kinds of quantum systems in various extreme starting conditions seem to fall into this fractal-like pattern, exhibiting universal scaling for a period of time before transitioning to standard thermalization. — Wired, "Fractal Patterns Offer Clues to the Universe's Origin," 11 Aug. 2019 The resulting images of the simulations show islands of dark or light for atoms with spin up or down, water or ice, the edges of their shapes jagged and fractal in nature. — Meredith Fore, WIRED, "Magnetic Materials Help Explain How Arctic Ice Melts," 5 July 2019 Laura DeMarco and Kathryn Lindsey are working to fold fractals into 3-D objects as a way of classifying simple equations. — Quanta Magazine, "19 Women Leading Math and Physics," 8 Mar. 2017 Importantly, though, said snowflake split into four diamond fractals, each bearing a different symbol. — Christian Holub, EW.com, "Frozen 2 unveils new poster ahead of upcoming trailer," 10 June 2019 These fractals variously call to mind leaf capillaries, fanning branches of coral, and fluttering feathers. — Harper's BAZAAR, "Daniel Humm & Givenchy," 9 Apr. 2019 Quantum fractals Quantum mechanics has a weird relationship with fractals. — Chris Lee, Ars Technica, "Fractal structure produces fractal electrons with fractal energies," 2 Dec. 2018 In this view, existence spreads out like a fractal drawing, and there are countless nooks in which pocket universes can reside. — Brian Resnick, Vox, "Stephen Hawking’s final paper makes a hopeful case for the limits of existence," 3 May 2018 The speaker is Marcia Stein, who will share her experiences and designs using Adobe Photoshop Elements, Frax HD (a fractal app for the iPad) and Electric Quilt along with inkjet printing on fabric. — Linda Mcintosh, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Local woman elected as state DAR leaders," 7 May 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fractal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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