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

The Fall was filmed over four years, with various production singularities that have since become infamous among the film’s devoted fanbase. —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2024

The creation of pattern through repetition—turning a thing into a field the way Peeples-Bright typically does—trades in singularity and apartness for a new, larger community and sense of rhythm. —Sarah Lehrer-Graiwer, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2024

Why do general relativity’s singularities imply that space-time can’t be the ultimate reality? —Amanda Gefter, Quanta Magazine, 25 Sep. 2024

Historically, to exhibit something in a museum is to insist on its importance, relevance, singularity. —Maddie Klett, ARTnews.com, 24 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