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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. 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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Word History and Origins

Origin of catastrophe theory1

First recorded in 1970–75

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