I. ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈlarəd.ē, -rətē, -i also -ler- noun
( -es )
Etymology: Middle English singularite, from Middle French singularité, from Late Latin singularitat-, singularitas, from Latin singularis single, singular + -itat-, -itas -ity — more at singular
1. : something that is separate or singular : unit
for the Aristotelian, knowlege of universals proceeds from experience with singularities
2.
a. : an unusual manifestation or eccentricity in manner or behavior
singularities of dress and speech make life a burden for their unfortunate possessors — Sacheverell Sitwell
even our faults have some attractiveness for us … as if they were pleasant singularities — F.A.Swinnerton
b. : a unique or remarkable characteristic or development
some natural productions require such a singularity of soil and situation — Adam Smith
c. : an odd or peculiar feature or characteristic
forgotten habits, uses that are now lost to memory, significances once powerful … all of these things and many more singularities are recalled to the student of plant names — Notes & Queries
3. : the quality or state of being singular
the amount of singularity one finds among the people of the country — New Republic
personality … expresses its singularity even in handwriting — O.W.Holmes †1935
as individuality approaches singularity , it … isolates itself — J.L.Lowes
the singularity of an analytic function
II. noun
1. : a point at which the derivative of a given function of a real or complex variable does not exist but every neighborhood of which contains points for which the derivative exists
2. : a point or region of infinite mass density at which space and time are infinitely distorted by gravitational forces that is held to be the final state of matter falling into a black hole