singleton
singleton Lexical Profile
singleton Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A child or animal born alone in a single birth, in contrast to twins or a larger multiple birth; also, an only child.
"The pediatric study compared the early language development of twins with that of singletons."
In mathematics, logic, and computer science, a set containing exactly one element, or a software design pattern that restricts the instantiation of a class to a single object.
"The database connection manager was implemented as a singleton to ensure that only one instance existed across the application."
In card games such as bridge or whist, a playing card that is the only one of its suit held in a player's hand at the deal.
"Holding a singleton in hearts allowed her to trump her opponent's trick on the second round."
British An unmarried or unattached person who is not in a romantic relationship (used informally).
"The housing market has seen a steady rise in compact apartments designed for urban singletons."
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the late 19th century (originally in card games such as whist) from the word 'single' modeled on the surname 'Singleton' or by analogy with 'simpleton'.