definition of the word singular

From Middle English singuler < Old French < Latin singularis "alone of its kind" < Latin singulus "single".

singular (comparative more singular, superlative most singular)

1. Being only one of a larger population.

   A singular experiment cannot be regarded as scientific proof of the existence of a phenomenon.

2. Being the only one of the kind; unique.
3. Distinguished by superiority.
4. Being out of the ordinary.
5. (grammar) Referring to only one thing or person.
6. (linear algebra, of matrix) Having no inverse.
7. (linear algebra, of transformation) Having the property that the matrix of coefficients of the new variables has a determinant equal to zero.

• (being only one): individual
• (being the only one of a kind): unique
• (distinguished by superiority): exceptional, extraordinary, remarkable
• (being out of the ordinary): curious, eccentric, funny, odd, peculiar, strange, rum, rummy, unusual
• (linear algebra: of matrix: having no inverse): non-invertible

• (grammar: referring to only one thing): plural
• (linear algebra: of matrix: having no inverse): invertible, non-singular

• singularity

Definition from Wiktionary Content avaible with GNU Free Documentation License

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