What does logarithmical mean?
Logarithmical is a formal adjective meaning “of or relating to logarithms.” It is closely equivalent to the much more familiar “logarithmic,” but it occurs especially in older or more technical mathematical writing. A logarithm is an exponent or power to which a given number must be raised in order to produce another specified number; a logarithmical quantity or scale is therefore one expressed in terms of logarithms rather than ordinary arithmetic quantities. Historically, the word also conveyed the idea of representing numbers through ratios or proportional relationships. Today it sounds formal and dated, so “logarithmic” is normally the natural choice for describing a function, scale, table, chart, or distribution. Even so, “logarithmical” remains useful as a reminder that logarithmic methods transformed multiplication into addition and division into subtraction. It also preserves a trace of the vocabulary of early modern mathematics and its close relationship to astronomy, navigation, and engineering.
adjectiveRelating to or expressed in terms of logarithms. It is a formal or older alternative to the more usual adjective “logarithmic.”
- Relating to logarithms or expressed in terms of them.
"The engineers represented the data on a logarithmical scale, allowing a wide range of values to be displayed clearly."
"Napier’s invention of logarithms made many calculations on a logarithmical scale much faster."
"The old scientific text contains a logarithmical table intended to assist navigators."
Because its Greek ancestor means “ratio of numbers,” logarithmical preserves the idea of logarithms as ratios rather than merely exponents.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does logarithmical come from?
The adjective logarithmical was formed in English from “logarithm” with the suffix “-ical.” The noun “logarithm” entered English in the early 17th century from Latin “logarithmus,” a Latinized form of Greek “logarithmos,” meaning “ratio of numbers.” Greek “logos” here means “relation” or “proportion,” while “arithmos” means “number,” so the name reflects the word’s mathematical use in describing ratios.
Related word forms
How logarithmical is actually used
This is a rare, formal or historical adjective found chiefly in older mathematical and scientific writing. In contemporary English, “logarithmic” is normally preferred. Its status and meaning are broadly the same in British and American English.
Easily confused with logarithmical
Both words mean “relating to logarithms,” but “logarithmic” is the standard modern form, while “logarithmical” is formal or dated.