Defn: A number, letter, or any quantity written on the right hand of and above another quantity, and denoting how many times the latter is repeated as a factor to produce the power indicated;
Note: thus a2 denotes the second power, and an the xth power, of a (2 and x being the exponents). A fractional exponent, or index, is used to denote the root of a quantity. Thus, a denotes the third or cube root of a.
2. One who, or that which, stands as an index or representative; as, the leader of a party is the exponent of its principles. Exponent of a ratio, the quotient arising when the antecedent is divided by the consequent; thus, 6 is the exponent of the ratio of 30 to 5. [R.]
EXPONENTIAL
Ex`po*nen"tial, a. Etym: [Cf. F. exponentiel.]
Defn: Pertaining to exponents; involving variable exponents; as, an exponential expression; exponential calculus; an exponential function. Exponential curve, a curve whose nature is defined by means of an exponential equation. — Exponential equation, an equation which contains an exponential quantity, or in which the unknown quantity enters as an exponent. — Exponential quantity (Math.), a quantity whose exponent is unknown or variable, as ax. — Exponential series, a series derived from the development of exponential equations or quantities.
EXPORT
Ex*port", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Exported; p. pr. & vb. n. Exporting.]
Etym: [L. exportare, exportatum; ex out+portare to carry : cf. F.
exporter. See Port demeanor.]
1. To carry away; to remove. [Obs.] [They] export honor from a man, and make him a return in envy. Bacon.
2. To carry or send abroad, or out of a country, especially to foreign countries, as merchandise or commodities in the way of commerce; — the opposite of import; as, to export grain, cotton, cattle, goods, etc.
EXPORT
Ex"port, n.
1. The act of exporting; exportation; as, to prohibit the export of wheat or tobacco.