exponential

Etymology

exponent + -ial

adj

1. Relating to an exponent.
2. (mathematics) Expressed in terms of a power of e.
3. (mathematics) Characterised by a rate of change that is proportional to the value of the varying quantity, or, equivalently, by a doubling or halving over successive fixed intervals of time or other parameter.
   exponential growth, exponential decay
   There were two deaths on Monday, four on Tuesday, and eight on Wednesday. The rate of increase seems exponential.
4. (loosely) Characterised by a very rapid rate of change, especially increase.
   Of course, one can creatively conjure up a host of things robot-politicians can do at exponential speed and scale, from shaking hands and kissing babies to handling the fundraising “robocalls” that frustrate American voters. 2018-07-31, Alvin Carpio, “Is it time to automate politicians?”, in The Economist

noun

1. (mathematics) Any function that has an exponent as an independent variable.