selectivity

[ si-lek-tiv-i-tee, see-lek- ]

noun

1. the state or quality of being selective.
2. Electricity. the property of a circuit, instrument, or the like, by virtue of which it can distinguish oscillations of a particular frequency.
3. Radio. the ability of a receiving set to receive any one of a band of frequencies or waves to the exclusion of others.

selectivity

/ sɪˌlɛkˈtɪvɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being selective
2. the degree to which a radio receiver or other circuit can respond to and separate the frequency of a desired signal from other frequencies by tuning
3. the principle that welfare services should go only to those whose need is greatest, as revealed by needs tests, means tests, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of selectivity¹

First recorded in 1900–05; selective + -ity

Example Sentences

This odd selectivity is not peculiar to primates — there are countless examples of pathogens devastating certain host species but not others.

From Quanta Magazine

I would imagine it’s a long list of, you know, 500 schools on your wall ordered roughly by selectivity.

From Time

Limited agency talent and budgetary pressures will only heighten this selectivity going forward.

From Digiday

The remarkable selectivity that neurons show, Quiroga argues, isn’t absolute.

From Nautilus

This selectivity is partially why optogenetics is so powerful.

From Singularity Hub 

This is due in part to individual attention given the defendants, but also the selectivity of the courts.

From The Daily Beast

But their selectivity in applying scripture shows the depth of their hypocrisy.

From The Daily Beast

While only 20 years old, Prince Valentine laments the selectivity inherent in international justice.

From The Daily Beast

She even has a name for this phenomenon: the socio-emotional selectivity theory.

From The Daily Beast

Like a thunderstorm creating radio static, there was no selectivity.

From Project Gutenberg

The rare-earths possess the property of selectivity and are fortunately highly refractory.

From Project Gutenberg

This selectivity of absorption may account for the difference in the toxicity of zinc salts to plants in the various soils.

From Project Gutenberg

Certainly the principle of selectivity is a byway of possibilities.

From Project Gutenberg

The effect of the selectivity of the “yellow spot” is noticeable in viewing certain colors.

From Project Gutenberg