See Also: Polynomial(medicine)
polynomial(dictionary)
polynomial(encyclopedia)
polynomial(dictionary)

polynomial (iou)



polynomial noun & adjective. L17.
[from POLY- after binomial.]
A. noun.
Math. Orig., an expression consisting of many terms. Now, a sum of one or more terms each consisting of a constant multiplied by one or more variables raised to a positive (or non-negative) integral power (e.g. 3+4xy2). L17.
A taxonomic name consisting of several terms. L19.
b. adjective. Consisting of many terms or names. E18.
polynomial time Computing the time required for a computer to solve a problem, where this time is a simple polynomial function of the size of the input.