Fermi problem

noun

Any estimation problem designed to teach dimensional analysis or the approximation of extreme scientific calculations: often a back-of-the-envelope problem with limited data.

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Fermi question
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Meanings

nounFermi problem (plural Fermi problems)

plural Fermi problems

  1. engineeringAny estimation problem designed to teach dimensional analysis or the approximation of extreme scientific calculations: often a back-of-the-envelope problem with limited data.

    Synonyms: Fermi question

Synonyms & antonyms

nounAny estimation problem designed to teach dimensional analysis or the approximation of extreme scientific calculations: often a back-of-the-envelope problem with limited data.

Similar
Fermi question
Also see
fermi question

Origin

Named after Enrico Fermi, known for his ability to deal with such problems.

Full word history & related roots →
Cite this entry
APA

Fermi problem. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 2, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Fermi%20problem

MLA

“Fermi problem.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Fermi%20problem. Accessed November 2, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “Fermi problem,” accessed November 2, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Fermi%20problem.

Source: Fermi problem on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.