topological space

noun

: a set with a collection of subsets satisfying the conditions that both the empty set and the set itself belong to the collection, the union of any number of the subsets is also an element of the collection, and the intersection of any finite number of the subsets is an element of the collection

Examples of topological space in a Sentence

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Mapping the Maps To classify shapes, or topological spaces, mathematicians distinguish between differences that matter and those that don’t. Kevin Hartnett, Quanta Magazine, 22 Aug. 2023 Homotopy is useful for classifying topological spaces — creating a chart of all the kinds of shapes that are possible. Kevin Hartnett, Quanta Magazine, 22 Aug. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of topological space was in 1926

Cite this Entry

“Topological space.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/topological%20space. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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