duality
Americannoun
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a dual state or quality.
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Mathematics. a symmetry within a mathematical system such that a theorem remains valid if certain objects, relations, or operations are interchanged, as the interchange of points and lines in a plane in projective geometry.
noun
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the state or quality of being two or in two parts; dichotomy
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physics the principle that a wave-particle duality exists in microphysics in which wave theory and corpuscular theory are complementary. The propagation of electromagnetic radiation is analysed using wave theory but its interaction with matter is described in terms of photons. The condition of particles such as electrons, neutrons, and atoms is described in terms of de Broglie waves
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geometry the interchangeability of the roles of the point and the plane in statements and theorems in projective geometry
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of duality
1350–1400; Middle English dualitie < Late Latin duālitās. See dual, -ity
Explanation
As hinted at by the word "dual" within it, duality refers to having two parts, often with opposite meanings, like the duality of good and evil. If there are two sides to a coin, metaphorically speaking, there's a duality. Peace and war, love and hate, up and down, and black and white are dualities. Another term for a duality is a dichotomy. Duality has technical meanings in geometry and physics. In geometry, duality refers to how points and planes have interchangeable roles in projective geometry. In physics, duality is the property of matter and electromagnetic radiation to be understood best through wave theory or particle theory.
Vocabulary lists containing duality
It Takes Two: Di
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UCPS 6th Grade Roots List #5
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Dig
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Earlier this year, the University of Chicago and several partners launched the nation’s first program to support quantum-tech start-ups, called Duality.
From Seattle Times • Oct. 26, 2021
I will simply start at the very beginning and follow a technique laid out in a beautiful paper by my brilliant former colleague, Mr Ron Breiger, called “The Duality of Persons and Groups.”
From Slate • Jun. 10, 2013
Duality defines the two main characters of “Homeland,” and that conflict doesn’t end with them.
From New York Times • Sep. 27, 2012
“We are dualists too. Duality is an essential, isn’t it? So long as there is myself and the other.”
From "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin
And by vision—the vision of those who are adept enough to see through the Ways to the branches of Duality.
From The Sky Is Falling by Del Rey, Lester
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
