Fractal |ˈfraktəl| Mathematics
noun - a curve or geometric figure, each part of which has the same statistical character as the whole.
Fractals are useful in modeling structures (such as eroded coastlines or snowflakes) in which similar patterns recur at progressively smaller scales, and in describing partly random or chaotic phenomena such as crystal growth, fluid turbulence, and galaxy formation. adjective relating to or of the nature of a fractal or fractals : fractal geometry.
ORIGIN 1970s: from French, from Latin fract- 'broken,’ from the verb frangere.