logarithm
nounUK /ˈlɒɡərɪðəm/
US /ˈlɔːɡərɪðəm/
A logarithm is a number that tells you how many times to multiply a base number to get another number.
The logarithm of 100 to base 10 is 2, because 10 times 10 equals 100.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A mathematical function that is the inverse of exponentiation.
The logarithm function turns multiplication into addition.
3. A number expressing the power to which a fixed number must be raised.
In base 2, the logarithm of 8 is 3.
4. A tool used in science and engineering to simplify large calculations.
Engineers once used logarithm tables to multiply big numbers quickly.