Wiktionary
linearization
n. 1 The modification of a system such that its output is linearly dependent on its input 2 (context mathematics English) A linear approximation of a non-linear system 3 (context biochemistry English) The conversion of a looped DNA molecule into a linear one
Wikipedia
Linearization
In mathematics linearization refers to finding the linear approximation to a function at a given point. In the study of dynamical systems, linearization is a method for assessing the local stability of an equilibrium point of a system of nonlinear differential equations or discrete dynamical systems. This method is used in fields such as engineering, physics, economics, and ecology.