logarithmic
Say it: log-uh-RITH-mik /ˌlɒɡəˈrɪðmɪk/ · adjective
What “logarithmic” means
Each equal step multiplies the amount by the same factor.
More precisely: On a scale where each step means multiplying by a fixed amount, such as ten, rather than adding.
Example: “The Richter scale is logarithmic: a magnitude 7 quake shakes the ground ten times harder than a 6.”
When to use it
In technical discussion, when explaining scales that cover huge ranges by multiplying at each equal step.
Memory trick
Think multiply, not add: each equal step changes the amount by the same factor.
Similar words
log-scale, multiplicative
Quick check
A measuring scale has equally spaced marks for one, ten and a hundred units. What kind of scale is it?
linear or logarithmic?
Show the answer
logarithmic
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