Word of the week #1

Word #1: Fractal

Source:

Lengel, L., Thurlow, C., & Tomic, A. (2006). Computer mediated communication: social interaction
and the internet. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.

How it was used:

We’ve chosen to use a fractal on the cover of this book because we think it’s a powerful metaphor
for computer mediated communication (CMC).

Definition:

frac·tal /ˈfræktl/ Pronunciation Key- [frak-tl]

n. A geometrical or physical structure having an irregular or fragmented shape at all scales of measurement between a greatest and smallest scale such that certain mathematical or physical properties of the structure, as the perimeter of a curve or the flow rate in a porous medium, behave as if the dimensions of the structure (fractal dimensions) are greater than the spatial dimensions.

Applicable definition:

frac·tal (frāk'tel)
n. A geometric pattern that is repeated at ever smaller scales to produce irregular shapes and surfaces that cannot be represented by classical geometry. Fractals are used especially in computer modeling of irregular patterns and structures in nature.

My sentence:

The fractal that we generated has a variation of greens making it quite similar to the
structures of broccoli.

(word count: 183)