Involution: meaning, definitions and examples

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involution

 

[ ษชnหˆvษ’ljuหสƒษ™n ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

mathematics

In mathematics, involution refers to a function that, when applied twice, returns the original value. Essentially, if x is the input and f is the involution function, then f(f(x)) = x. Involutions can arise in various contexts, including algebra and geometry. They are notable because they often simplify complex problems by applying a reversible operation.

Synonyms

flip, reversal, self-inverse

Examples of usage

  • The function f(x) = -x is an involution since f(f(x)) = x.
  • Involution is used in certain transformations in geometry.
  • Some algorithmic processes rely on involutive functions for efficiency.
Context #2 | Noun

biological

In biology, involution can refer to the process by which an organ or part returns to a former size or condition. This often occurs after development or growth ceases, such as in the case of the uterus after childbirth. The term can also signify a reduction in growth or size in various biological structures. Understanding involution in biological terms is essential for studying developmental processes and reproductive health.

Synonyms

contraction, retraction, shrinkage

Examples of usage

  • The uterus undergoes involution after the delivery of the baby.
  • Involution of certain organs is a key aspect of the life cycle of some organisms.
  • Research on tissue involution has implications for regenerative medicine.

Translations

Translations of the word "involution" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น involuรงรฃo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคตเคฟเคฒเคฏ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Involution

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ involusi

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั–ะฝะฒะพะปัŽั†ั–ั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ inwolucja

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚คใƒณใƒœใƒซใƒผใ‚ทใƒงใƒณ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท involution

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ involuciรณn

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท involรผsyon

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋‚ดํ–ฅ์„ฑ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงู„ุงู†ู‚ู„ุงุจ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ involuce

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ involรบcia

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ†…ๅท

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ involucija

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ innskot

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะธะฝะฒะพะปัŽั†ะธั

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ˜แƒœแƒ•แƒแƒšแƒฃแƒชแƒ˜แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ involusiya

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ involuciรณn

Word origin

The term 'involution' originates from the Latin word 'involutio', which means 'a winding in' or 'a rolling in'. This Latin term is derived from 'involvere', meaning 'to roll in'. The concept of involution has been utilized in various disciplines, from mathematics to biology. Involutions as mathematical functions have been studied since the early days of algebra, where they provided insights into the symmetry and properties of equations. The biological sense of involution dates back to the late 19th century when scientists began to describe the processes occurring in organisms during and after development. Over time, the term has evolved, encompassing diverse contexts while maintaining its core idea of returning to a previous state or condition.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,035, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.