GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English
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Found one definition
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Exponent (?), n. [L. exponens, -entis, p. pr. of exponere to put out, set forth, expose. See Expound.]
1. (Alg.) A number, letter, or any quantity written on the right hand of and above another quantity, and denoting how many times the latter is repeated as a factor to produce the power indicated; thus a2 denotes the second power, and ax the xth power, of a (2 and x being the exponents). A fractional exponent, or index, is used to denote the root of a quantity. Thus, a⅓ denotes the third or cube root of a.
[1913 Webster]
2. One who, or that which, stands as an index or representative; as, “the leader of a party is the exponent of its principles”.
[1913 Webster]
3. one who explains, expounds, or interprets.
[PJC]
Exponent of a ratio, the quotient arising when the antecedent is divided by the consequent; thus, 6 is the exponent of the ratio of 30 to 5. [R.]
[1913 Webster]