also: ネズミざん
geometric progression; exponential growth
Refers to the mathematical concept of geometric progression, often illustrated by the rapid multiplication of mice. Used in contexts like 鼠算的に増える (increase exponentially).
If you calculate it as a geometric progression, it becomes an enormous number in just a few months.
proliferation; multiplying like rats
Figurative use emphasizing rapid, uncontrolled increase, often with a negative connotation. Common in phrases like 鼠算的に増える.
Abandoned houses are proliferating like rats.
Standard kanji spelling; 鼠 is a non-jōyō kanji but commonly used in this compound.
Mixed kana-kanji spelling; easier to read for learners.
Katakana-kanji spelling; sometimes used for emphasis or in informal writing.
Named for traditional arithmetic problems calculating the rapid multiplication of mice. It consequently came to denote geometric or exponential increase.