singularity

noun10

1. •
   The state of being singular, distinct, peculiar, uncommon or unusual.

   • Pliny addeth this singularity to the Indian soil, that it is without weeds, that the second year the very falling down of the seeds yieldeth corn. — 1618
2. •
   A point where a measured variable reaches unmeasurable or infinite value.
3. •
   The value or range of values of a function for which a derivative does not exist.
4. •
   Ellipsis of gravitational singularity (“a point or region in spacetime in which gravitational forces cause matter to have an infinite density; associated with black holes”).

   • Consequently the interior of a black hole is empty, with a singularity at the centre. — 1992
5. •
   Ellipsis of technological singularity (“a hypothetical turning point in the future, the culmination of ever-accelerating technological progress, when human history as we have known it ends, and a strange new era begins. For some writers, the catalyst is superhuman machine intelligence”).

   • [Vernor] Vinge was among those (along with, notably, Ray Kurzweil) to discuss the transformation of humans by technology, coming in a matter of decades, referred to as "the singularity." — 2011
6. •
   An unusual action or behaviour.
7. •
   A point where all parallel lines meet.
8. •
   Celibacy, singleness (as contrasted with marriage).

   • Gradually the implication of biblical monotheism created an entailment of singularity and monogamy in sexual relations. — 1995
9. •
   (no longer used) Anything singular, rare, or curious.

   • Your Gallerie / Haue vve pass'd through, not vvithout much content / In many singularities; […] — 1610
10. •
    (no longer used) Possession of a particular or exclusive privilege, prerogative, or distinction.

    • Catholicism […] must be understood in opposition to the legal singularity of the Jewish nation. — 1659