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

Some cited the college’s increased selectivity in admissions as justification for higher grades.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

When swapping out a phosphate reduced the selectivity of the reaction, it revealed that the original site played a crucial role.

Read more on Science Daily

Yang's team tested more than 300 variations to fine-tune the compound's power, safety, and selectivity.

Read more on Science Daily

News & World Report measure such categories as the selectivity of admissions and test scores, but City Journal is trying to measure the added value of four years of undergraduate learning.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Understanding how nickel-based catalysts interact with CO2 at the atomic level is crucial for their rational design aiming to improve their efficiency and selectivity.

Read more on Science Daily