simplex

[sim-pleks] /ˈsɪm plɛks/
adjective
1.
simple; consisting of or characterized by a single element.
2.
pertaining to or noting a telecommunications system permitting communication in only one direction at a time.
noun, plural simplexes, simplices
[sim-pluh-sees] /ˈsɪm pləˌsis/ (Show IPA)
3.
Mathematics. a basic geometric element in a Euclidean space, being a line segment in one dimension, a triangle in two dimensions, a tetrahedron in three dimensions, and so on: used in topology and linear programming.
4.
an apartment having all the rooms on one floor.
Origin
1585-95; < Latin: having a single layer, literally, one-fold, equivalent to sim-, base meaning “one” (akin to similis similar, Greek hén (neuter) one, homós same (see homo-), English same) + -plex -plex
British Dictionary definitions for simplex

simplex

/ˈsɪmplɛks/
adjective
1.
permitting the transmission of signals in only one direction in a radio circuit, etc Compare duplex
noun
2.
(linguistics) a simple not a compound word
3.
(geometry) the most elementary geometric figure in Euclidean space of a given dimension; a line segment in one-dimensional space or a triangle in two-dimensional space
Word Origin
C16: from Latin: simple, literally: one-fold, from sim- one + plex, from plicāre to fold; compare duplex
Word Origin and History for simplex
adj.

"characterized by a single part," 1590s, from Latin simplex "single, simple, plain, unmixed, uncompounded," literally "onefold," from PIE root *sem- "one, together" (cf. Latin semper "always," literally "once for all;" Sanskrit sam "together;" see same) + *plac- "-fold," from PIE *plek- "to plait" (see ply (v.1.)). The noun is attested from 1892, "simple uncompounded word."

simplex in Technology


1. Used to describe a communications channel that can only ever carry a signal in one direction, like a one-way street. Television is an example of (broadcast) simplex communication.
Opposite: duplex.
2. The simplex method.
(2001-07-21)