A particular kind of dynamical system described by a differential equation (or iterative map) in which the rate of change depends non-linearly on the current state of the system. Only non-linear dynamics may exhibit instabilities, multi-stability, or generate non-constant attractors such as oscillations or chaos.
See Attractor, Catastrophe theory, Chaos, Chaos theory, Complex system, Complexity, Dissipative system, Dynamics, Irreversible thermodynamics, Non-linear associator, Non-linear dynamical systems, Synergetics