nonlinear
Jumps around unpredictably
Nonlinear describes relationships or processes where effects aren't proportional to causes—doubling the input doesn't double the output.
In mathematics and physics, nonlinear equations resist simple solutions.
The term extends to narratives that jump around in time rather than proceeding chronologically: The film's nonlinear structure reveals the murder in the opening scene.
Nonlinear thinking moves by association rather than logical sequence.
Curved line segment
- bendCurve or flex
- spiralCurve winding around center
- parabolaSymmetrical open plane curve
- exponentialIncreasing by constant ratio
logarithmic · asymptotic · sigmoidal · hyperbolic · curvature · inflection · S-curve · J-curve
Chaotic flow patterns
- butterfly effectSmall inputs, disproportionate results
- unpredictableCannot be anticipated
- stochasticRandomly determined, statistically describable
- randomnessLack of predictable pattern
entropy · instability · fluctuation · catastrophe · volatility · perturbation · discontinuity · sensitivity
Equations containing derivatives
- bifurcationDivision into two branches
- manifoldMany and various
- eigenvaluesTransformation scaling constants
- perturbationState of being unsettled
iterative · oscillation · equilibrium · chaos theory · Laplace · singularity · topology
Coming into existence
- self-organizationSpontaneous internal structure emergence
- feedbackReturned response data
- adaptationFitting to new conditions
- networkInterconnected system
fractal · interaction · synergy · multifactorial · heterogeneity · robustness · modularity · homeostasis
Returned response data
- stabilityResistance to displacement
- systemConnected parts forming whole
- saturationState of complete permeation
- backlashStrong negative reaction
Involuntary past memory
- foreshadowingHinting at later events
- stream-of-consciousnessNarrative of unfiltered thought
- Pulp FictionFragmented crime anthology film
- MementoReminder of the past
fractured · disjointed · episodic · interwoven · cyclical · fragmented · Rashomon · unreliable narrator
Causing no permanent damage
- random accessInstant reach to any location
- digitalOf discrete data
- timelineOrdered display of events
- cutSeverance or reduction
arc
Curved line segment
exponential · logarithmic · asymptotic · sigmoidal · hyperbolic · curvature · inflection · S-curve · J-curve · polynomial
turbulence
Chaotic flow patterns
- butterfly effectSmall inputs, disproportionate results
- unpredictableCannot be anticipated
- stochasticRandomly determined, statistically describable
randomness · entropy · instability · fluctuation · catastrophe · volatility · perturbation · discontinuity · sensitivity · bifurcation
differential equations
Equations containing derivatives
- bifurcationDivision into two branches
- manifoldMany and various
- eigenvaluesTransformation scaling constants
perturbation · iterative · oscillation · equilibrium · chaos theory · Laplace · singularity · topology
emergence
Coming into existence
- self-organizationSpontaneous internal structure emergence
- feedbackReturned response data
- adaptationFitting to new conditions
network · fractal · interaction · synergy · multifactorial · heterogeneity · robustness · modularity · homeostasis · interconnected
feedback
Returned response data
- stabilityResistance to displacement
- systemConnected parts forming whole
- saturationState of complete permeation
flashback
Involuntary past memory
- foreshadowingHinting at later events
- stream-of-consciousnessNarrative of unfiltered thought
- Pulp FictionFragmented crime anthology film
Memento · fractured · disjointed · episodic · interwoven · cyclical · fragmented · Rashomon · unreliable narrator · Cloud Atlas
non-destructive
Causing no permanent damage
- random accessInstant reach to any location
- digitalOf discrete data
- timelineOrdered display of events
- storytellingstorytelling, story, tale, narrative, narrator
- math termsnumbers, plus or minus, square, operand, division
- "Non-" wordsnonprofit, nonfiction, nonstop, nonsense, nonfat
- sequencessequence, arithmetic, series, geometric, progressions
- scientific adjectivesalkaline, ionic, aquatic, inorganic, metallic
- thinking stylesanalytical, creative thinker, critical thinker, rational, critical
nonlinearlinear
Arranged in straight succession
straight-line · proportional · first-order · additive · directly proportional
nonlinearlinear
Arranged in straight succession
chronological · sequential · linear narrative · straight · straightforward
nonlinearlinear
Arranged in straight succession
sequential · step-by-step · incremental · steady · progressive