Quadratic

adjective/kwɒdˈɹætɪk/science

Definition

Involving a squared variable or a polynomial of degree two.

Etymology

From French quadratique (1765), from Latin quadrātus + -ique (English -ic), form of quadrō (“to make square”), from quādrus (“square”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *kʷetwóres (“four”), whence also Latin quartus (“fourth”).

Synonyms

quadratic equation, quadratic polynomial

In a sentence

The join made runtime quadratic in row count.