selectivity

[ si-lek-tiv-i-tee, see-lek- ]

noun

1. the state or quality of being selective.
2. Electricity. the property of a circuit, instrument, or the like, by virtue of which it can distinguish oscillations of a particular frequency.
3. Radio. the ability of a receiving set to receive any one of a band of frequencies or waves to the exclusion of others.

selectivity

/ sɪˌlɛkˈtɪvɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being selective
2. the degree to which a radio receiver or other circuit can respond to and separate the frequency of a desired signal from other frequencies by tuning
3. the principle that welfare services should go only to those whose need is greatest, as revealed by needs tests, means tests, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of selectivity¹

First recorded in 1900–05; selective + -ity

Example Sentences

“What the data show is that they have a very high selectivity for radioactive elements” over essential metals like zinc and calcium.

From Los Angeles Times

They focused on the concept of food fussiness - which researchers describe as the tendency to eat a small range of foods, due to selectivity about textures or tastes, or a reluctance to try new foods.

From BBC

However, if different voltages were applied, this performance could be tuned to allow cations to flow, even providing complete selectivity for cations.

From Science Daily

This obstacle, known as the "selectivity problem," often hinders the broader application of established C-H activation reactions.

From Science Daily

But no one had been able to trace the neural mechanisms making this hue selectivity possible.

From Science Daily