antilog: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare / TechnicalFormal / Technical / Academic
Quick answer
What does “antilog” mean?
A number that represents the value of a logarithm's base raised to the power of a given number.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A number that represents the value of a logarithm's base raised to the power of a given number; the inverse operation of finding a logarithm.
The antilogarithm; in common usage, specifically the inverse of the common (base-10) logarithm. In a broader mathematical context, the exponent to which a base must be raised to produce a given number, essentially reversing the logarithmic calculation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage between UK and US English. It is a technical term with identical application.
Connotations
Neutral, purely mathematical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “antilog” in a Sentence
antilog of [number/log value]find/calculate the antilog [of]the antilog is [number]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “antilog” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- To find the result, you must antilog the calculated value.
American English
- After obtaining the log value, you need to antilog it to get the original concentration.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used, except possibly in highly technical financial modelling involving logarithmic returns or scaling.
Academic
Common in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and engineering textbooks and papers when discussing logarithmic transformations.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The primary domain of use. Found in scientific calculators, software functions (e.g., 10^x), and technical manuals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “antilog”
Strong
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “antilog”
- Misspelling as 'antilodge' or 'antilogic'.
- Confusing it with 'analog' (as in analogue signal).
- Using it as a verb incorrectly (e.g., 'I will antilog the result' is very rare; 'find the antilog' is preferred).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In the context of common (base-10) logarithms, the antilog is the function 10^x. More broadly, for any base b, the antilog of y is b^y. So it is an exponential function with a specific base.
On most calculators, you use the '10^x' button for common antilogs. For natural antilogs (base e), you use the 'e^x' button. Some calculators have a specific 'antilog' or 'INV' + 'log' function.
In technical writing, it is occasionally used as a verb (e.g., 'antilog the value'), though it is more common and formal to say 'find the antilog of' or 'take the antilog of'.
There is no practical difference; 'inverse log' is a descriptive synonym for 'antilog'. Both refer to the operation that reverses the effect of taking a logarithm.
A number that represents the value of a logarithm's base raised to the power of a given number.
Antilog is usually formal / technical / academic in register.
Antilog: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæn.tɪ.lɒɡ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæn.t̬i.lɑːɡ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ANTI-LOG fights against the log. If LOG locks a number into an exponent, ANTILOG unlocks it back to the original number.
Conceptual Metaphor
UNDOING / REVERSAL (as in 'undoing' the effect of taking a logarithm).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'antilog'?