singularity

[ sing-gyuh-lar-i-tee ]

noun

, plural sin·gu·lar·i·ties

1. the state, fact, or quality of being singular.
2. a singular, unusual, or unique quality; peculiarity.
3. Mathematics. singular point.
4. Astronomy. (in general relativity) the mathematical representation of a black hole.
5. Usually the singularity. Also called technological singularity. a hypothesized future era or event when exponential improvements in computer intelligence and advances in technology will result in an acute change in human society and evolution.

singularity

/ ˌsɪŋɡjʊˈlærɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state, fact, or quality of being singular
2. something distinguishing a person or thing from others
3. something remarkable or unusual
4. maths
   1. a point at which a function is not differentiable although it is differentiable in a neighbourhood of that point See also pole 2
   2. another word for discontinuity
5. astronomy a hypothetical point in space-time at which matter is infinitely compressed to infinitesimal volume

singularity

/ sĭng′gyə-lăr′ĭ-tē /

1. A point of infinite density and infinitesimal volume, at which space and time become infinitely distorted according to the theory of General Relativity. According to the big bang theory, a gravitational singularity existed at the beginning of the universe. Singularities are also believed to exist at the center of black holes.
2. Mathematics.
   A point at which the derivative does not exist for a given function but every neighborhood of which contains points for which the derivative exists.

Other Words From

• nonsin·gu·lari·ty noun plural nonsingularities

Word History and Origins

Origin of singularity¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English singularite, from Middle French singularité or Late Latin singulāritās (stem singulāritāt- ); singular, -ity

Example Sentences

Sisters puncture the purity and singularity that American culture likes to see in its heroes.

From Los Angeles Times

But sense is overrated with actors who can overcome all sensory competition through the singularity of their art.

From Los Angeles Times

The singularity of this type of event has drawn people from all over Southern California, even historically conservative South Orange County.

From Los Angeles Times

But despite the scene's rhythmic appeal, its singularity is deafening.

From Salon

The singularity of Lindqvist’s universe — somehow both grounded and otherworldly — inspired the filmmaker to make her “Children of Satan,” and when the rights for “Handling the Undead” became available, she jumped at them.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• particularity
• uniqueness