fractal

/ˈfræktəl/
adjective
  1. Relating to or resembling a fractal; having self-similar patterns at different scales.
    • Fractal geometry helps scientists model coastlines and clouds.
    • The fern leaf shows a fractal pattern that repeats in its smaller leaflets.
    • The artist painted a fractal design that looked like a tree with endless branches.
noun
  1. A complex geometric shape that can be split into parts, each of which is a smaller copy of the whole.
    • Computer artists use fractals to create beautiful, infinite landscapes.
    • The mathematician explained how a fractal can have a fractional dimension.
    • The snowflake is a natural fractal with repeating patterns.