idempotent
1 of 2adjective
idem·po·tent ˈī-dəm-ˌpō-tᵊnt 
: relating to or being a mathematical quantity which when applied to itself under a given binary operation (such as multiplication) equals itself
also : relating to or being an operation under which a mathematical quantity is idempotent
idempotent
2 of 2noun
plural idempotents
: a mathematical quantity which when applied to itself under a given binary operation (such as multiplication) equals itself
also : an operation under which a mathematical quantity is idempotent
Word History
Etymology
Adjective
Latin idem same + potent-, potens having power — more at potent
First Known Use
Adjective
1870, in the meaning defined above
Noun
1870, in the meaning defined above