Origin: Greek prefix poly-
Polynomial has 4 different meanings across 2 categories:
a mathematical function that is the sum of a number of terms
"The polynomial used in the calculation consists of three distinct terms added together."
An expression consisting of a sum of a finite number of terms, each term being the product of a constant coefficient and one or more variables raised to a non-negative integer power, such as a_nxⁿ+a_n-1xⁿ⁻¹+...+a_0x⁰.
"The quadratic equation uses a polynomial with three terms where each variable is raised to a non-negative integer power."
In plain English: A polynomial is an algebraic expression made by adding together terms that include variables raised to whole number powers and multiplied by coefficients.
"The mathematician explained how to factor each polynomial into smaller parts."
Usage: This term is technical jargon used almost exclusively in mathematics and computer science; avoid using it in general conversation when "equation" or "formula" would suffice. Do not confuse the noun with the adjective form, which describes functions that can be expressed as polynomials rather than referring to the expression itself.
Able to be described or limited by a polynomial.
"The growth rate of the bacterial population is polynomial, as it can be accurately modeled by a quadratic equation over time."
In plain English: A polynomial is an adjective describing something that follows rules based on adding together different powers of numbers and variables.
"The polynomial equation was easy to solve once I simplified the terms."
The word polynomial comes from the Greek nomos, meaning "part," combined with a prefix indicating many parts to describe an algebraic expression made of multiple terms. It entered English through mathematical usage as a direct counterpart to the earlier term binomial, which refers to expressions with two such parts.