adjective
1Mathematics
(of a function or quantity) varying in such a way that it either never decreases or never increases.‘The S-N curve for a pure metal will be a monotonic function with N increasing as stress decreases.’- ‘The number above each segment gives the rank of the absolute value of the monotonic increase or decrease.’
- ‘The logarithm is only one of many nonlinear but monotonic functions that can be applied to measurements prior to analysis.’
- ‘What leads us astray is the assumption that interval calculations can be based on end points alone, which is true only for monotonic functions.’
- ‘In contrast to an undiluted probe surface, the hybridization signals exhibited a tendency of monotonic decrease with increasing ionic strength.’
2Speaking or uttered with an unchanging pitch or tone.
- ‘her dour, monotonic husband’
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