nonlinear

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non·lin·e·ar / nänˈlinēər/ • adj. 1. not denoting, involving, or arranged in a straight line. ∎  Math. designating or involving an equation whose terms are not of the first degree. ∎  Physics involving a lack of linearity between two related qualities such as input and output. ∎  Math. involving measurement in more than one dimension. ∎  not linear, sequential, or straightforward; random: Joyce's stream-of-consciousness, nonlinear narrative.2. of or denoting digital editing whereby a sequence of edits is stored on computer as opposed to videotape, thus facilitating further editing.PHRASES: go nonlinear inf. become excited or angry, esp. about a particular obsession.DERIVATIVES: non·lin·e·ar·i·ty / ˌnänlinēˈaritē/ n.non·line·ar·ly adv.