Definition of: exponent

(ik·spō′nənt) noun
1. One who or that which explains, interprets, or expounds.
2. Logic An illustrative example of a general proposition.
3. Math. Any number or symbol placed as a superscript to the right of a quantity to indicate a power or the reciprocal or root of a power: thus, 3² = 3 × 3; 3^-2 = 1/3²; 3^1/2 = √ 3.
4. Any person or thing that represents the character or principles of something: Franklin was the exponent of American principles in France. [<L exponens, -entis, ppr. of exponere indicate <ex- out + ponere place]
—ex·po·nen·tial (ek′spō·nen′shəl) adjective
—ex′po·nen′tial·ly adverb