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ex·po·nent

(ĭk-spōnənt, ĕkspō′nənt)

1. One that expounds or interprets.

2. One that speaks for, represents, or advocates: Our senator is an exponent of free trade.

3. Abbr. exp Mathematics A number or symbol, as 3 in (x + y)³, placed to the right of and above another number, symbol, or expression, denoting the power to which that number, symbol, or expression is to be raised. Also called power.

adj.

Expository; explanatory.

[Latin expōnēns, expōnent-, present participle of expōnere, to expound; see EXPOUND.]

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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