complementarity

[ kom-pluh-men-tar-i-tee ]

noun

1. the quality or state of being complementary.

complementarity

/ ˌkɒmplɪmənˈtærɪtɪ /

noun

1. a state or system that involves complementary components
2. physics the principle that the complete description of a phenomenon in microphysics requires the use of two distinct theories that are complementary to each other See also duality

complementarity

/ kŏm′plə-mən-târ′ĭ-tē /

1. The concept that the underlying properties of entities (especially subatomic particles) may manifest themselves in contradictory forms at different times, depending on the conditions of observation; thus, any physical model of an entity exclusively in terms of one form or the other will be necessarily incomplete. For example, although a unified quantum mechanical understanding of such phenomena as light has been developed, light sometimes exhibits properties of waves and sometimes properties of particles (an example of wave-particle duality).
2. See also uncertainty principle

Word History and Origins

Origin of complementarity¹

First recorded in 1910–15; complementar(y) + -ity

Example Sentences

The Vatican had previously published its most articulated position on gender in 2019, when the Congregation for Catholic Education rejected the idea that people can choose or change their genders and insisted on the complementarity of biologically male and female sex organs to create new life.

From Seattle Times

Nevertheless, Greece’s Orthodox leadership unanimously opposed the law in January, saying the “duality of genders and their complementarity are not social inventions but originate from God.”

From Seattle Times

"If conservatives aren’t morally grounded Christians, what are we even ‘conserving’?" complained former Donald Trump lawyer and confessed criminal Jenna Ellis. Speaking for this faction, Madeline Kearns at the National Review wrote that conservatives should stand for "a courtship culture, one that emphasizes male and female sexual complementarity, abstinence before marriage, fidelity within it, openness to the gift of children."

From Salon

Khan said he is ready to engage with local prosecutors in line with the principle of complementarity — the ICC is a court of last resort set up to prosecute war crimes when local courts cannot or will not take action.

From Seattle Times

He added that he is ready to engage with local prosecutors in line with the principle of complementarity - the ICC is a court of last resort set up to prosecute war crimes when local courts cannot or will not take action.

From Washington Times