Indivisibly: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The prefix 'in-' often means 'not' in Latin, and when combined with 'divisible,' it emphasizes the inability to divide.
• The root word 'divide' comes from the Latin 'dividere,' which means to separate or to split.
• The term has been used in mathematics and philosophy to highlight concepts of wholeness and unity since the 16th century.

Mathematics

• In mathematics, a number that is indivisible by any other number except itself and one is called a prime number.
• The concept of indivisibility is crucial in number theory, where one studies the properties of whole numbers.
• Certain mathematical objects, like prime ideals in algebra, are considered indivisible because they cannot be factored further.

Philosophy

• Philosophers use the term to discuss the nature of substances and entities that cannot be broken down without losing their essential properties.
• In metaphysics, indivisibility is a key concept when addressing questions about the nature of reality and existence.
• Some philosophical arguments propose that the mind is indivisible, arguing that consciousness cannot be divided without diminishing its quality.

Cultural References

• In the Declaration of Independence, the phrase 'life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness' can be interpreted as indivisible rights.
• 'Indivisible' is a common term in modern political discourse, often used to discuss national unity or collective identity.

Science

• The concept of indivisibility appears in physics when discussing fundamental particles that cannot be subdivided into smaller components.
• The idea of indivisible atoms was first proposed by John Dalton in the early 19th century, laying the groundwork for atomic theory.
• In molecular biology, certain molecules are described as indivisible with respect to their core functions in biological processes.

Ranking #39,575, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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