idempotent

[ ahy-duhm-poht-nt, id-uhm- ]

adjective

1. unchanged when multiplied by itself.

noun

1. an idempotent element.

idempotent

/ ˈɪd-; ˈaɪdəmˌpəʊtənt /

adjective

1. maths (of a matrix, transformation, etc) not changed in value following multiplication by itself

Word History and Origins

Origin of idempotent¹

First recorded in 1865–70; idem + potent ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of idempotent¹

C20: from Latin idem same + potent ¹

Example Sentences

Researchers were able to show that certain powerful but unproved K-theory conjectures would imply the zero divisor and idempotent conjectures, potentially offering up a deep reason why they might be true.

From Quanta Magazine