complementarity

American  

[kom-pluh-men-tar-i-tee] / ˌkɒm plə mɛnˈtær ɪ ti /

noun

1. the quality or state of being complementary.

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complementarity British  

/ 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

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complementarity Scientific  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of complementarity

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

Example Sentences

Complementarity, arguably the most important aspect of any makeup product to the user, is rarely discussed.

From Slate • Dec. 5, 2017

Complementarity is a theoretical concept developed to address a specific problem, namely, reconciling the two viewpoints of observers inside and outside the event horizon.

From Scientific American • Dec. 21, 2012

As has become the norm with Francis, experts began debating and parsing his comments at the Complementarity of Man and Woman conference.

From Washington Post

See Interpenetration Complementarity of forms evolved, xii, xiii, 51, 101, 103, 113, 116-7, 135, 136, 254, 255 of instinct and intelligence, 146, 173.

From Creative Evolution by Mitchell, Arthur