fractal
Say it: FRAK-tul /ˈfrakt(ə)l/ · noun
What “fractal” means
A pattern whose smaller parts look like the whole.
More precisely: A pattern that repeats at every scale, so a small part looks like the whole.
When to use it
In maths or nature discussion, when describing patterns that repeat similar shapes as you look closer.
Memory trick
Picture a branch with smaller branches shaped like the bigger one.
Similar words
self-similar pattern, recursive shape
Where it comes from
Coined by mathematician Benoit Mandelbrot from Latin fractus, 'broken'.
Quick check
A computer drawing shows a branching shape whose tiniest branches repeat the shape of the whole. What is it?
a fractal or a mosaic?
Show the answer
a fractal
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