singularity

[ sing-gyuh-lar-i-tee ]

noun

, plural sin·gu·lar·i·ties

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. Usually the singularity. Also called technological 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.

singularity

/ 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

singularity

/ 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.

Other Words From

• nonsin·gu·lari·ty noun plural nonsingularities

Word History and Origins

Origin of singularity¹

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

Example Sentences

Explore 13 paintings and two related sculptures curated by Cecilia Wichmann that reveal artist Tschabalala Self’s depth, intricacy, and singularity.

From Washington Blade

The real singularity was that point at which specific information about the world, about experiences, about ideas, about inventions and creations, began to live alongside us.

From Nautilus

They also talk about the technological singularity, the idea that there could come a point of such extraordinary growth in the sophistication of technology that there’s a transformation.

From Nautilus

We need to be doing a better job of hazard assessments, and not examining hazards in singularity.

From Science News

She relates events as they happen to her but only inconsistently anchors them in the details, dialogue or personal emotions that would give Pheby’s character texture and singularity.

From Washington Post

That sense of self-enforced singularity—the feeling that he's the last of the Mohicans—is a big part of White's appeal.

From The Daily Beast

Kurzweil is known for his view on the technological singularity, a moment in which man transcends his biological limits.

From The Daily Beast

The effect of the singularity not on an AI, but on an actual human mind—a mind that has been uploaded.

From The Daily Beast

The singularity as well as the high level of quality of their collections particularly impressed the experts.

From The Daily Beast

The Culture is a post-singularity, anarcho-capitalist society, with technology that outpaces our own.

From The Daily Beast

She was struck with his singularity, and impressed with an instinctive consciousness of his peculiar genius.

From Project Gutenberg

With his evasive singularity was mingled a certain exotic odour like the distant perfume of a country well loved of the sun.

From Project Gutenberg

Sebastian Joseph de Pontchasteau, a French author, died; remarkable for the singularity of his acts of devotion and charity.

From Project Gutenberg

Dr. Bates's singularity in not rising up nor drinking the King's nor other healths at the table was very much observed.

From Project Gutenberg

They erred from feeling, an error so very rare with them, that it might be pardoned even for its singularity.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• particularity
• uniqueness