nilpotent

adjective

nil·​po·​tent ˈnil-ˌpō-tᵊnt How to pronounce nilpotent (audio)
: equal to zero when raised to some power
nilpotent matrices

Word History

Etymology

Latin nil nothing + potent-, potens having power — more at potent

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nilpotent was in 1870

Dictionary Entries Near nilpotent

Cite this Entry

“Nilpotent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nilpotent. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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