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singularity definition

sin·gu·lar·ity (siŋ′gyə ler′ə tē)

noun pl. singularities -·ties

  1. the condition or quality of being singular
  2. a unique, distinct, or peculiar feature or thing
  3. Physics a point or region at the center of a black hole, where, it is theorized, the force of gravity compresses an object such that it has infinite density and almost no volume

Etymology: ME singularite < OFr < LL singularitas

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

singularity Synonyms

singularity

n.

  1. Irregularity

    deviation, curiosity, abnormality; see irregularity 2.

  2. Idiosyncrasy

    peculiarity, propensity, manner; see characteristic, quirk.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

singularity Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • call: The point at which the star's mass is centered is called the singularity.

Preposition: at

  • pole: The price one pays for a general potential, is a singularity at the south pole.

Adjective modifier

  • naked: A naked singularity, by contrast, has no such protective barrier.

Modifies a noun

  • theorem: The singularity theorems imply the universe had an infinite density at some time in the past.

Noun used with modifier

  • bang: The scenario for inflation in 1982 was that the universe began with a big bang singularity.

Preposition: of

  • purpose: With its singularity of purpose and the band's rich and supple performance, this is Carthy's best album to date.
singularity usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

singularity quotes

And if there be any addition to knowledge, it is rather a new knowledge than a greater knowledge; rather a singularity in a desire of proposing something that was not knownat all beforethananimproving, anadvancing, a multiplying of former inceptions; and by that means, no knowledge comes to be perfect.

-Donne,John

Singularity is almost invariablya clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more difficult it is to bring it home.

-Doyle, SirArthur Conan

Fashion constantly begins and ends in the two things it abhors most, singularity and vulgarity.

-Hazlitt,William

singularity quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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"singularity." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 5 July 2009
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APA Style

singularity. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 5th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/singularity

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