# fractal

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈfɹæk.təl/ · frequency rank #30,050

## Definitions
1. A mathematical set that has a non-integer and constant Hausdorff dimension, corresponding to a geometric figure or object that is self-similar at arbitrarily small scales and thus has infinite complexity.
2. An object, system, or idea that exhibits a fractal-like property, such as the property of self-similarity at numerous but not infinitely many scales.

## Etymology
From French fractal, from Latin fractus (“broken”), perfect passive participle of frangō (“break, fragment”).

## Easily confused with
- **frontal** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/fractal-vs-frontal)
- **fatal** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/fatal-vs-fractal)
- **facial** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/facial-vs-fractal)
- **factual** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/factual-vs-fractal)

## Common misspellings (11)
`farctal`, `ffractal`, `fracatl`, `fracctal`, `fractall`, `fractla`, `fracttal`, `fratcal`, `frcatal`, `frractal`, `rfactal`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/fractal