singular term

Singular \Sin"gu*lar\ (s[i^][ng]"g[-u]*l[~e]r), a. [OE.
   singuler, F. singulier, fr. L. singularius, singularis, fr.
   singulus single. See {Single}, a.]
   1. Separate or apart from others; single; distinct. [Obs.]
      --Bacon.
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            And God forbid that all a company
            Should rue a singular man's folly.    --Chaucer.
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   2. Engaged in by only one on a side; single. [Obs.]
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            To try the matter thus together in a singular
            combat.                               --Holinshed.
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   3. (Logic) Existing by itself; single; individual.
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            The idea which represents one . . . determinate
            thing, is called a singular idea, whether simple,
            complex, or compound.                 --I. Watts.
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   4. (Law) Each; individual; as, to convey several parcels of
      land, all and singular.
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   5. (Gram.) Denoting one person or thing; as, the singular
      number; -- opposed to {dual} and {plural}.
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   6. Standing by itself; out of the ordinary course; unusual;
      uncommon; strange; as, a singular phenomenon.
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            So singular a sadness
            Must have a cause as strange as the effect.
                                                  --Denham.
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   7. Distinguished as existing in a very high degree; rarely
      equaled; eminent; extraordinary; exceptional; as, a man of
      singular gravity or attainments.
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   8. Departing from general usage or expectations; odd;
      whimsical; -- often implying disapproval or censure.
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            His zeal
            None seconded, as out of season judged,
            Or singular and rash.                 --Milton.
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            To be singular in anything that is wise and worthy,
            is not a disparagement, but a praise. --Tillotson.
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   9. Being alone; belonging to, or being, that of which there
      is but one; unique.
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            These busts of the emperors and empresses are all
            very scarce, and some of them almost singular in
            their kind.                           --Addison.
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   {Singular point in a curve} (Math.), a point at which the
      curve possesses some peculiar properties not possessed by
      other points of the curve, as a cusp point, or a multiple
      point.

   {Singular proposition} (Logic), a proposition having as its
      subject a singular term, or a common term limited to an
      individual by means of a singular sign. --Whately.

   {Singular succession} (Civil Law), division among individual
      successors, as distinguished from universal succession, by
      which an estate descended in intestacy to the heirs in
      mass.

   {Singular term} (Logic), a term which represents or stands
      for a single individual.
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   Syn: Unexampled; unprecedented; eminent; extraordinary;
        remarkable; uncommon; rare; unusual; peculiar; strange;
        odd; eccentric; fantastic.
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