Fractal
adj, noun ·2 syllables ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Definitions
- 1 A mathematical set that has a non-integer and constant Hausdorff dimension, corresponding to a geometric figure or object that is self-similar at arbitrarily small scales and thus has infinite complexity.
- 2 (mathematics) a geometric pattern that is repeated at every scale and so cannot be represented by classical geometry wordnet
- 3 An object, system, or idea that exhibits a fractal-like property, such as the property of self-similarity at numerous but not infinitely many scales. broadly
"In essence, you are assuming that each segment of a company is a fractal of the whole[…]"
- 1 Having the form of a fractal; having to do with fractals. not-comparable
"Romanesco was my gateway cauli and I've never stopped growing it. Not a variety as much as its own thing, Romanesco is a cauliflower to the French, a calabrese to the Italians. […] Visually, it may be the most remarkable thing you can grow: it is made up of lime-green mini-spirals that coil around themselves in fractal formation."
- 2 Exhibiting a fractal-like property. broadly, figuratively, not-comparable, sometimes
"A fractal situation emerges in this way then: the consequences of Ulysses' decision to abandon Calypso are not entirely predictable."
Example
More examples"In essence, you are assuming that each segment of a company is a fractal of the whole[…]"
Etymology
From French fractal, from Latin fractus (“broken”), perfect passive participle of frangō (“break, fragment”).
Related phrases
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Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.