logarithmic: of a logarithm, a figure that tells to what
power a certain
fixed number, as ten, must be raised to equal a
given number. For
example, the logarithm of 100 is 2, when 10 is taken as the
fixed number (102 = 100). Such
numbers are listed in
tables to shorten the working of problems in
mathematics. Tetrahedral: of a tetrahedron, a
solid object with four sides; a
pyramid with three sides and a triangular
base. The
phrase logarithmic tetrahedral has no sensible meaning and is used humorously in the lecture to indicate very educated sounding nonsense.
—Editor, from Webster's Dictionary for Young Readers and Oxford American Dictionary (5th ACC Glossary Part 1) Final approval 2.12.89