The highest order power in a univariate polynomial is known as its order (or, more properly, its polynomial degree). For example, the polynomial P(x) = a_n x^n + ... + a_2 x^2 + a_1 x + a_0 is of order n, denoted deg P(x) = n. The order of a polynomial is implemented in the Wolfram Language as Exponent[poly, x].