Skip to main content
nonlinear correlation

nonlinear correlation

7.5
A link between two things where change is not steady and dots do not form a straight line
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : correlación no lineal
  • The researchers found a nonlinear correlation between exercise duration and weight loss in the study group.

Examples

  • The study found a significant nonlinear correlation between temperature and ice cream sales.

  • In many biological systems, variables often show a nonlinear correlation rather than a simple linear one.

  • A scatter plot helped the team visualize the nonlinear correlation present in their data.

  • There is a clear nonlinear correlation.

  • A scatter plot helped the team visualize the nonlinear correlation present in their data.

  • The study found a significant nonlinear correlation between temperature and ice cream sales.

  • In many biological systems, variables often show a nonlinear correlation rather than a simple linear one.

Synonyms

nonlinearity
vsnonlinear correlation
  • Specialized
1 8.1

In math or science, a situation where small changes cause big effects

is a specific relationship between two variables that shows this property
skew correlation
vsnonlinear correlation
  • Specialized
9.3

A relationship between two things where one changes at different speeds

emphasizes that the pattern does not form a straight line when graphed
curvilinear correlation
vsnonlinear correlation
  • Specialized
9.3

A relationship between two things that forms a curved line on a graph

focuses on any non-constant rate rather than direction changes

How Linear

linearity
  • Specialized
1 5.6
nonlinear correlation
  • Specialized
7.5

Surface Forms

Morphology

nonlinear + correlation

The meaning is directly compositional: 'nonlinear' (not following a straight/predictable line) modifies 'correlation' (an association), so the phrase denotes a correlation that is not linear. This adjective+noun combination follows normal English composition and similar patterns occur cross-linguistically, so a learner who knows both constituents can infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Nonlinear correlation gives a simple picture: imagine dots on a graph that bend into a curve instead of a straight line, where nonlinear means 'not straight' and correlation means 'a link between two things'. So, nonlinear correlation describes a relationship where change is not steady and the points make a curved pattern.