topology

American  

[tuh-pol-uh-jee] / təˈpɒl ə dʒi /

Rarely analysis situs

noun

Mathematics.

plural

topologies

1. the study of those properties of geometric forms that remain invariant under certain transformations, as bending or stretching.

2. Also called point set topology.  the study of limits in sets considered as collections of points.

3. a collection of open sets making a given set a topological space.

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topology British  

/ ˌtɒpəˈlɒdʒɪk, təˈpɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. the branch of mathematics concerned with generalization of the concepts of continuity, limit, etc

2. Former name: analysis situs.  a branch of geometry describing the properties of a figure that are unaffected by continuous distortion, such as stretching or knotting

3. maths a family of subsets of a given set S, such that S is a topological space

4. the arrangement and interlinking of computers in a computer network

5. the study of the topography of a given place, esp as far as it reflects its history

6. the anatomy of any specific bodily area, structure, or part

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topology Scientific  

/ tə-pŏl′ə-jē /

1. The mathematical study of the geometric properties that are not normally affected by changes in the size or shape of geometric figures. In topology, a donut and a coffee cup with a handle are equivalent shapes, because each has a single hole.

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Other Word Forms

• topologic adjective
• topological adjective
• topologically adverb
• topologist noun

Etymology

Origin of topology

First recorded in 1650–60; topo- + -logy

Example Sentences

This led to a new field of study, known as topology, that's still very active and working to explain these behaviors and to help capitalize on them in the real world.

From Science Daily

“It just gets me better familiar with the Greater Los Angeles topology,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

A tiny sliver representing accessory dwelling units has appeared in the last decade, part of a shift in housing topology that is just beginning.

From Los Angeles Times

Cal Fire’s model instead accounts for the vegetation type, topology, climate and weather for wildland areas to calculate the probability of an area burning and the likely intensity of the blaze.

From Los Angeles Times

These principles are governed by the nuanced interplay of stitch patterns, geometry, and yarn topology -- the undercrossings or overcrossings in a knot or stitch.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• earth science
• geology
• geopolitics
• topography