catastrophe theory

English - English

Definition of catastrophe theory in English English dictionary

The branch of mathematics dealing with dynamical systems which can undergo abrupt irreversible qualitative changes due to a tiny change in parameters

Branch of mathematics (considered a branch of geometry) that explores how gradual changes to a system produce sudden, drastic results (though usually not as dire as the name suggests). A simple example is how a plastic coffee stirrer subjected to gradually increasing pressure from both ends will suddenly buckle in one direction or another. Other "catastrophes" include optical phenomena such as reflection or refraction of light through moving water. More speculatively, ideas from catastrophe theory have been applied by social scientists to such situations as the sudden eruption of mob violence

Hyphenation

ca·tas·tro·phe the·o·ry

Turkish pronunciation

kıtästrıfi thiıri

Pronunciation

/kəˈtastrəfē ˈᴛʜēərē/ /kəˈtæstrəfiː ˈθiːɜriː/