[brokensegue]

we call that "quadratic". exponential is when the exponent is variable. (unless I'm being whooshed)

[mabbo]

No, you're 100% correct.

O(n^[number]) = polynomial, with O(n^2) being quadratic.

O([a number]^n) = exponential.

I guess the authors aren't big on CS fundamentals?

[tomc1985]

Indeed. It's been a while since I've had to so much as think about big O notation and I forgot that quirk. To most folks "exponential" means n^2 or greater

[recursive]

Most folks are using the word wrong then.

[derefr]

“Superlinear” is the word you’re looking for.

[Monory]

Superlinear can mean O(n log n) or anything like that, which is smaller than O(n^2).