Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition

Singularity

Sinˊgu-lar′i-ty

(sĭṉˊgū̍-lăr′ĭ-ty̆)
,
Noun.
;
pl.
Singularities
(sĭṉˊgū̍-lăr′ĭ-tĭz)
.
[L.
singularitas
: cf. F.
singularité
.]
1.
The quality or state of being singular; some character or quality of a thing by which it is distinguished from all, or from most, others; peculiarity.
Pliny addeth this
singularity
to that soil, that the second year the very falling down of the seeds yieldeth corn.
Sir. W. Raleigh.
I took notice of this little figure for the
singularity
of the instrument.
Addison.
2.
Anything singular, rare, or curious.
Your gallery
Have we passed through, not without much content
In many
singularities
.
Shakespeare
3.
Possession of a particular or exclusive privilege, prerogative, or distinction.
No bishop of Rome ever took upon him this name of
singularity
[universal bishop].
Hooker.
Catholicism . . . must be understood in opposition to the legal
singularity
of the Jewish nation.
Bp. Pearson.
4.
Celibacy.
[Obs.]
Jer. Taylor.

Webster 1828 Edition

Singularity

SINGULAR'ITY

, n.
1.
Peculiarity; some character or quality of a thing by which it is distinguished from all, or from most others. Pliny addeth this singularity to that soil, that the second year the very falling of the seeds yieldeth corn.
2.
An uncommon character or form; something curious or remarkable. I took notice of this little figure for the singularity of the instrument.
3.
Particular privilege, prerogative or distinction. No bishop of Rome ever took upon him this name of singularity, (universal bishop.) Catholicism-must be understood in opposition to the legal singularity of the Jewish nation.
4.
Character or trait of character different from that of others; peculiarity. The singularity of living according to the strict precepts of the gospel is highly to be commended.
5.
Oddity.
6.
Celibacy. [Not in use.]

Definition 2024

singularity

singularity

English

Noun

singularity ‎(countable and uncountable, plural singularities)

  1. the state of being singular, distinct, peculiar, uncommon or unusual
    • Addison
      I took notice of this little figure for the singularity of the instrument.
    • Sir Walter Raleigh
      Pliny addeth this singularity to that soil, that the second year the very falling down of the seeds yieldeth corn.
  2. a point where all parallel lines meet
  3. a point where a measured variable reaches unmeasurable or infinite value
  4. (mathematics) the value or range of values of a function for which a derivative does not exist
  5. (physics) a point or region in spacetime in which gravitational forces cause matter to have an infinite density; associated with black holes
  6. A proposed point in the technological future at which artificial intelligences become capable of augmenting and improving themselves, leading to an explosive growth in intelligence.
  7. (obsolete) Anything singular, rare, or curious.
    • Shakespeare
      Your gallery Have we passed through, not without much content / In many singularities.
  8. (obsolete) Possession of a particular or exclusive privilege, prerogative, or distinction.
    • Hooker
      No bishop of Rome ever took upon him this name of singularity [universal bishop].
    • Bishop Pearson
      Catholicism […] must be understood in opposition to the legal singularity of the Jewish nation.
  9. (obsolete) celibacy
    (Can we find and add a quotation of Jeremy Taylor to this entry?)

Synonyms

Derived terms

Related terms

Translations

External links

  • singularity in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
  • singularity in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911
  • singularity at OneLook Dictionary Search

Etymology

From Old French singularite, from Late Latin singularitas ‎(“singleness”), from Latin singularis ‎(“single”). See singular.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˌsɪŋgjəˈlæɹətɪ/

Similar Results