singularity

American  

[sing-gyuh-lar-i-tee] / ˌsɪŋ gjəˈlær ɪ ti /

noun

• singularities
  plural

1. the state, fact, or quality of being singular.

2. a singular, unusual, or unique quality; peculiarity.

3. Mathematics. singular point.

4. Astronomy. (in general relativity) the mathematical representation of a black hole.

5. Also called technological singularity. Usually the singularity a hypothesized future era or event when exponential improvements in computer intelligence and advances in technology will result in an acute change in human society and evolution.

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singularity British  

/ ˌsɪŋɡjʊˈlærɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state, fact, or quality of being singular

2. something distinguishing a person or thing from others

3. something remarkable or unusual

4. maths

   1. a point at which a function is not differentiable although it is differentiable in a neighbourhood of that point See also pole 2

   2. another word for discontinuity

5. astronomy a hypothetical point in space-time at which matter is infinitely compressed to infinitesimal volume

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singularity Scientific  

/ sĭng′gyə-lăr′ĭ-tē /

1. A point of infinite density and infinitesimal volume, at which space and time become infinitely distorted according to the theory of General Relativity. According to the big bang theory, a gravitational singularity existed at the beginning of the universe. Singularities are also believed to exist at the center of black holes.

2. Mathematics A point at which the derivative does not exist for a given function but every neighborhood of which contains points for which the derivative exists.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• nonsingularity
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• singularities
  plural

Etymology

Origin of singularity

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English singularite, from Middle French singularité or Late Latin singulāritās (stem singulāritāt- ); see origin at singular, -ity

Explanation

The singularity of something is a quality that's unusual or unique. You might note the singularity of your best friend's personal style, which involves mixing plaid with polka dots and wearing colorful top hats. You can use the noun singularity when something is literally "one of a kind," like your grandmother's strange macrame wall art, or to mean exceptional or striking, like your nephew's bright red hair. He stands out among the other kindergartners, so his hair has a singularity, though he's not the only red-headed kid in the world. The Latin root is singularis, which means "single or solitary."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

singularity singularities

OpenAI says its model found a scenario in which “an initially smooth fluid at rest can develop a singularity in a finite time.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 8, 2026

Haaland’s singularity was a testament to how humanity seeks heroes — but Spain’s ultimate triumph via crisp passes and selfless teamwork offered a stirring, convincing collective counterpoint.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 20, 2026

Byrd’s singularity remains today, as she weighs a legacy steeped in youth against her maturing body and mind.

From Salon ● Jul. 10, 2026

The star begins collapsing under its own weight, theoretically continuing until all of its mass is compressed into a single point known as a singularity.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 14, 2026

Some cretin psychoanalyst would attempt to comprehend the singularity of his worldview.

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole

Millions of readers bought Hawking’s 1988 book, “A Brief History of Time,” eager to learn from the brilliant physicist, who had first gained prominence studying singularities and black holes.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 19, 2026

But singularities are problematic because physics, and math itself, doesn’t make sense when everything is packed into a point that’s infinitely small.

From Scientific American ● May 24, 2023

These singularities are defined by their gravitational pull, which is so incredibly strong that nothing — not even light — can escape.

From Salon ● Jan. 13, 2023

In fact, a new conception of pop artists as do-it-all vertically integrated singularities redefined pop artistry, thanks in large part to the Beatles having changed the rules.

From New York Times ● Nov. 6, 2021

When one goes back to the real time in which we live, however, there will still appear to be singularities.

From "A Brief History of Time: And Other Essays" by Stephen Hawking

Related Words

• particularity
• uniqueness