The amount of time it takes for an algorithm to solve a polynomial function, which is a mathematical expression that does not contain fractions or negative numbers. The time is proportional to the input size and very efficient. Contrast with "exponential time," which takes considerably longer to solve the problem. See
complexity classes.
Polynomials
A polynomial is an algebraic expression containing a series of terms joined together by addition or subtraction. In algebra, a term is a number times a variable; for example, 4x
2 + x - 6y is a three-term polynomial.