idem·po·tent | \ ˈī-dəm-ˌpō-tᵊnt 
\
\Definition of idempotent
(Entry 1 of 2)
: relating to or being a mathematical quantity which when applied to itself under a given binary operation (such as multiplication) equals itself also : relating to or being an operation under which a mathematical quantity is idempotent
idempotent
noun plural idempotents
Definition of idempotent (Entry 2 of 2)
: a mathematical quantity which when applied to itself under a given binary operation (such as multiplication) equals itself also : an operation under which a mathematical quantity is idempotent
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on idempotent
What made you want to look up idempotent? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Musical Words Quiz
- Which word describes a musical performance marked by the absence of instrumental accompaniment?
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Share idempotent
Time Traveler for idempotent
The first known use of idempotent was in 1870
See more words from the same year