topology

[tuh-pol-uh-jee] /təˈpɒl ə dʒi/
noun, plural topologies for 3. Mathematics
1.
the study of those properties of geometric forms that remain invariant under certain transformations, as bending or stretching.
2.
Also called point set topology. the study of limits in sets considered as collections of points.
3.
a collection of open sets making a given set a topological space.
Origin
1650-60; topo- + -logy
Related forms
topologic
[top-uh-loj-ik] /ˌtɒp əˈlɒdʒ ɪk/ (Show IPA), topological, adjective
topologically, adverb
topologist, noun
Examples from the web for topology
  • It's easy to remember if you note its similarity to topology or topography.
  • Furthermore, these devices may also be moving, so that the network topology is in constant flux.
  • The secret to this trick comes from a branch of mathematics called topology.
  • Pragmatism also prevailed in the network's topology.
  • He was interested in the topology of absence: places physically unloosed, elegiac sites, intensely felt.
  • The symmetry of private semantic narrative against public a-signifying topology.
  • The former are biotic and the latter are abiotic variables which shape the diversity and topology of the tree of life.
  • There were two major issues at work in my misjudgments of the arc of the past and the topology of the present.
  • The topology of a suit pocket with lining is intense.
  • The global topology of the universe is as yet unknown.
British Dictionary definitions for topology

topology

/təˈpɒlədʒɪ/
noun
1.
the branch of mathematics concerned with generalization of the concepts of continuity, limit, etc
2.
a branch of geometry describing the properties of a figure that are unaffected by continuous distortion, such as stretching or knotting Former name analysis situs
3.
(maths) a family of subsets of a given set S, such that S is a topological space
4.
the arrangement and interlinking of computers in a computer network
5.
the study of the topography of a given place, esp as far as it reflects its history
6.
the anatomy of any specific bodily area, structure, or part
Derived Forms
topologic (ˌtɒpəˈlɒdʒɪk), topological, adjective
topologically, adverb
topologist, noun
Word Origin and History for topology
n.

1610s (implied in topological), from topo-, comb. form of Greek topos "place" (see topos) + -logy.

topology in Science
topology
  (tə-pŏl'ə-jē)   
The mathematical study of the geometric properties that are not normally affected by changes in the size or shape of geometric figures. In topology, a donut and a coffee cup with a handle are equivalent shapes, because each has a single hole.
topology in Technology

1. The branch of mathematics dealing with continuous transformations.
2. Which hosts are directly connected to which other hosts in a network. Network layer processes need to consider the current network topology to be able to route packets to their final destination reliably and efficiently.
(2001-03-29)