Background for nonlinear

nonlinear

/ˌnɑnˈlɪniər/ /ˌnɑnˈlɪniɚ/

Illustration nonlinear - Image 1

adjective

(of a set of points) Not lying on a straight line.

Examples :

"The data points on the graph showed a nonlinear pattern, curving up and down instead of forming a straight line. "

math physics technical

Illustration nonlinear - Image 1

adjective

(of a molecule) Whose atoms do not lie in a straight line.

Examples :

"The water molecule (H₂O) is nonlinear because the oxygen atom is bonded to two hydrogen atoms at an angle, not in a straight line. "

chemistry physics

Illustration nonlinear - Image 1

adjective

(of a function) Having a product of independent variables, or a variable with an exponent not equal to one.

Examples :

"The relationship between study time and test score is often nonlinear; studying twice as long doesn't necessarily guarantee twice the score. "

math technical science function

Illustration nonlinear - Image 1

adjective

(of a system) Whose output is not directly proportional to its input.

Examples :

"The relationship between how long you study and your test score is often nonlinear; studying for an extra hour might help a lot at first, but after a certain point, it helps less and less. "

system physics math technical science

Illustration nonlinear - Image 1

adjective

Erratic and unpredictable; tending to jump back and forth.

Examples :

"a film with a nonlinear plot"

theory science physics math system