(maths) (of a function, curve, series, or equation) of, containing, or involving one or more numbers or quantities raised to an exponent, esp ex
2.
(maths) raised to the power of e, the base of natural logarithms exp
3.
of or involving an exponent or exponents
4.
(informal) very rapid
noun
5.
(maths) an exponential function, etc
Derived Forms
exponentially, adverb
Word Origin and History for exponentials
exponential
adj.
1704, from exponent + -al (1). As a noun, from 1784. Related: Exponentially.
exponentials in Science
exponential
(ěk'spə-něn'shəl) Relating to a mathematical expression containing one or more exponents. ◇ Something is said to increase or decrease exponentially if its rate of change must be expressed using exponents. A graph of such a rate would appear not as a straight line, but as a curve that continually becomes steeper or shallower.