Definition of fractal, and purpose of the fractals

[Saleh d]

There are many definition for fractals, based on their method or where they appear to use for something, so lets classify the different ways we want them.

For example is something that growing or processing according to any logical method may count as fractal? should it makes various results in various directions as well as dimensions(if not exactly self similar)?

Should i define fractals when i want to analyse clouds as i want to look at Mandelbrot fractal?

[Roger Bagula]

If I understand you rightly, this may be what you are looking for:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multifractal_system