logarithmic scale

noun

: a scale on which the actual distance of a point from the scale's zero is proportional to the logarithm of the corresponding scale number rather than to the number itself compare arithmetic scale

Examples of logarithmic scale in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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Earthquake magnitudes are measured on a logarithmic scale, meaning each whole number increase represents a tenfold increase in power of the seismic waves, resulting in approximately 31.6 times more energy released. —

Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025 Solar flare classes follow a logarithmic scale, with each flare class — C, M and X — 10 times stronger than the previous one. —

Ryan French, Space.com, 23 Dec. 2024 Note that the chart below depicts S & P earnings on a logarithmic scale —S & P earnings have grown by more than ninefold since January 1991. —

Michael Khouw, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2024 Jeremy Reimer Messaging users over time, logarithmic scale. —

Jeremy Reimer, Ars Technica, 29 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for logarithmic scale

Word History

First Known Use

1740, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of logarithmic scale was in 1740

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Logarithmic scale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/logarithmic%20scale. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

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