idempotent

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adjective

idem·​po·​tent ˈī-dəm-ˌpō-tᵊnt 

: relating to or being a mathematical quantity which when applied to itself under a given binary operation (such as multiplication) equals itself

also : relating to or being an operation under which a mathematical quantity is idempotent

idempotent

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noun

plural idempotents

: a mathematical quantity which when applied to itself under a given binary operation (such as multiplication) equals itself

also : an operation under which a mathematical quantity is idempotent

Examples of idempotent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Additionally, ensure that your API is idempotent, meaning that repeating a specific operation produces the same result, whether the request is made once or multiple times. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 12 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin idem same + potent-, potens having power — more at potent

First Known Use

Adjective

1870, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1870, in the meaning defined above