catastrophe theory

noun

, Mathematics.

1. a theory, based on topology, for studying discontinuous processes and the mathematical models that describe them.

catastrophe theory

noun

1. 1. a mathematical theory that classifies surfaces according to their form
   2. the popular application of this theory to the explanation of abruptly changing phenomena, as by the discontinuity of a line on the topmost fold of a folded surface

Word History and Origins

Origin of catastrophe theory¹

First recorded in 1970–75