noun
fractal
FRAK-tuhl
noun
1
A complex geometric shape whose pattern repeats at every scale, so zooming in reveals the same kind of structure again and again.
"The fern's leaves are a natural example of a fractal."
"The software generated a colorful fractal from a simple equation."
adjective
1
Having a self-repeating pattern at every level of magnification.
"Coastlines have a fractal quality — jagged at every scale you look."
How to Use Fractal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA shape made of the same repeating pattern no matter how far you zoom in.
Common pairings
fractal pattern
fractal geometry
fractal image
Word Forms
fractals plural
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “fractal”
A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage
→
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The fern's leaves are a natural example of a _____.
Etymology
Coined from Latin fractus ("broken"), the past participle of frangere ("to break").