What does "idempotent" mean?
An idempotent element.
Idempotent
/ˌaɪ.dəmˈpoʊ.tənt/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An idempotent element.
- Grammar: idempotent is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: idempotent element, idempotent morphism, idempotent operation, invariant.
- Useful contrasts: nonidempotent, nonidempotent element, nonidempotent morphism.
- Usage evidence: A projection operator is idempotent.
How to use "idempotent"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "idempotent" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "idempotent" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "idempotent" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "idempotent" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
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3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An idempotent element.
- 2 An idempotent structure.
Adjective
- 1 (said of a function) Such that, when performed multiple times on the same subject, it has no further effect on its subject after the first time it is performed. not-comparable
"A projection operator is idempotent."
- 2 (said of an element of an algebraic structure with a binary operation, such as a group or semigroup) Such that, when it operates on itself, the result is equal to itself. not-comparable
"Every finite semigroup has an idempotent element."
- 3 (said of a binary operation) Such that all of the distinct elements it can operate on are idempotent (in the sense given just above). not-comparable
"Since the AND logical operator is commutative, associative, and idempotent, it distributes with respect to itself."
- 4 (said of an algebraic structure) Having an idempotent operation (in the sense given above). not-comparable
Adjective
- 1 unchanged in value following multiplication by itself wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"A projection operator is idempotent."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "idempotent"?
Common synonyms include: idempotent element, idempotent morphism, idempotent operation, invariant, projection, repeatable operation.
How do you use "idempotent" in a sentence?
A projection operator is idempotent.
How do you pronounce "idempotent"?
Pronounced /ˌaɪ.dəmˈpoʊ.tənt/.
Etymology
From Latin roots idem (“same”) + potent (“having power”), thus “having the same power”. Coined in 1870 by American mathematician Benjamin Peirce in the context of algebra, later generalized to computer science.