# logarithm

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈlɒɡ.ə.ɹɪ.ð(ə)m/ · frequency rank #51,828

## Definitions
1. For a number x, the exponent by which a given base number must be raised in order to obtain the power x. Written log _bx. For example, log ₁₀1000=3 because 10³=1000 and log ₂16=4 because 2⁴=16.

## Etymology
From New Latin logarithmus, term coined by Scottish mathematician John Napier from Ancient Greek λόγος (lógos, “word, reckoning”) and ἀριθμός (arithmós, “number”); compare rational number, from analogous Latin.

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