IAtionary: Quintic Function

Quin-tic Func-tion [KWIN-tic FUHNGK-shuhn] n.

1. (literal) A mathematical relationship in which the independent variable (often x) is raised to the fifth power; x to the fifth plus two x to the fourth minus eight x to the third plus five x squared minus three x plus ten is an example of a quintic function
2. (rarely) Any crazy looking graph; What did you type into your calculator!? That's like a quintic function!
3. The result of asking Graphical Analysis to calculate a best fit equation without asking oneself if the answer makes any sense in the particular situation; The freshpeople are doing a lab where they graph velocity versus time for an object with a constant acceleration. All those with juinority know that it should be linear, but you'd be surprised how many have come up with quintic functions.

Language of Origin: Fisixian

Origin of the term: Actual quintic functions (as per the first definition, above) have little to no practical use. If you get one as your answer, especially when the relationship you are trying to find is between two fairly common variables, you know you've done something wrong. Very wrong. Beginning fisixians tend to mindlessly let their computers calculate the best fit curve for them, and fail to realize that they need to examine the reasonableness of the answer before submitting it. It's kind of similar to how someone might accidentally use the ÷ key when trying to type 100 times 14.7 into the calculator, and write the answer as 6.08 without noticing that something is amiss.