self-similar

self-sim·i·lar

(sĕlf′sĭm′ə-lər)

adj.

Having a substructure analogous or identical to an overall structure. In mathematics, certain geometrical objects such as line segments and fractals are self-similar to an arbitrary level of magnification; many natural phenomena, such as clouds and plants, are self-similar to some degree.

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self′-sim′i·lar′i·ty n.

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.