singularity

noun

sin·​gu·​lar·​i·​ty ˌsiŋ-gyə-ˈler-ə-tē 

-ˈla-rə-

plural singularities

1

: something that is singular: such as

a

: a separate unit

b

: unusual or distinctive manner or behavior : peculiarity

2

: the quality or state of being singular

3

: a point at which the derivative of a given function of a complex variable does not exist but every neighborhood of which contains points for which the derivative does exist

4

: a point or region of infinite mass density at which space and time are infinitely distorted by gravitational forces and which is held to be the final state of matter falling into a black hole

Synonyms

• crotchet
• curiosity
• eccentricity
• erraticism
• idiosyncrasy
• individualism
• kink
• mannerism
• oddity
• peculiarity
• quiddity
• quip
• quirk
• tic
• trick
• twist

Examples of singularity in a Sentence

People could not understand the singularity of his imagination.

a college professor with singularities of dress and speech that have long endeared him to his students

Recent Examples on the Web

This moment is a regulatory singularity before a new era for crypto. —Rob Wile, NBC News, 5 Dec. 2024

Just as in science, where breakthroughs often arise from the convergence of seemingly unrelated ideas, the world of art and music is transformed by those who dare to transcend singularity and embrace multiple disciplines with the fullness of their spirit. —Anto Dotcom, Rolling Stone, 4 Nov. 2024

Algebraic geometers are in the business of understanding their singularities, too. —Jordana Cepelewicz, Quanta Magazine, 21 Oct. 2024

But sense is overrated with actors who can overcome all sensory competition through the singularity of their art. —Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

singularity

noun

sin·​gu·​lar·​i·​ty ˌsiŋ-gyə-ˈlar-ət-ē 

plural singularities

1

: the quality or state of being singular

2

: something that is singular : peculiarity

3

: a point or region of infinite density which is held to be the final state of matter falling into a black hole