The word "nonlinear" refers to something that does not follow a straight or predictable path. It can describe situations, relationships, or systems that are complex and exhibit unexpected or irregular behavior. Full definition
Now, a team of scientists has streamlined the problem by combining ocean wave data with a healthy dose of nonlinear dynamics of the wave system. (sciencemag.org)
On Universality of Transition to Chaos Scenario in Nonlinear Systems of Ordinary Differential Equations of Shilnikov's Type (scirp.org)
Abortive responses and rapid chattering between modes are common problems in nonlinear systems with not quite enough oomph, the reason why old fluorescent lights flicker. (williamcalvin.com)