- an irregular geometric structure that cannot be described by classical geometry because magnification of the structure reveals repeated patterns of similarly irregular, but progressively smaller, dimensions: fractals are especially apparent in natural forms and phenomena because the geometric properties of the physical world are largely abstract, as with clouds, crystals, tree bark, or the path of lightning.
- a design or construction that uses the concept and mechanics of fractal geometry: Fractals distinguish the facade of the library, revealing recursive patterns, the smaller parts mirroring the larger parts.
- of or relating to a fractal: fractal geometry; fractal dimensions; fractal curves.
- of or relating to a design or construction that uses the concept and mechanics of fractal geometry: The progression of forms from distant view to excruciating detail is born of the fractal composition that brands her work.
- a figure or surface generated by successive subdivisions of a simpler polygon or polyhedron, according to some iterative process
- of, relating to, or involving such a process
