topology
noun
to·pol·o·gy
tə-ˈpä-lə-jē 
tä-
plural topologies
1
: topographic study of a particular place
specifically
: the history of a region as indicated by its topography
2
a(1)
: a branch of mathematics concerned with those properties of geometric configurations (such as point sets) which are unaltered by elastic deformations (such as a stretching or a twisting) that are homeomorphisms
(2)
: the set of all open subsets of a topological space
b
: configuration
topology of a molecule
topology of a magnetic field
Examples of topology in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The study offers insight into the mathematical limits of evolution, and could help identify fundamental mechanisms that limit life’s topology.
—
Quanta Magazine, 27 Oct. 2025
Each asteroid is different, Makadia's team emphasized, so finding the ideal spot for a successful deflection involves looking at the space rock's shape, rotation, mass and surface topology (its distribution of hills and craters).
—Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 10 Sep. 2025
The library collects and organizes static and dynamic information about a system’s architecture and topology, and essentially acts as a detailed map by showing how different components are structured and connected.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2025
Knot theory is a branch of topology that has surprisingly practical applications, such as understanding how proteins coil DNA and how molecular structures remain stable.
—Max Springer, Scientific American, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for topology
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Quanta Magazine, 27 Oct. 2025
Each asteroid is different, Makadia's team emphasized, so finding the ideal spot for a successful deflection involves looking at the space rock's shape, rotation, mass and surface topology (its distribution of hills and craters).
—Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 10 Sep. 2025
The library collects and organizes static and dynamic information about a system’s architecture and topology, and essentially acts as a detailed map by showing how different components are structured and connected.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2025
Knot theory is a branch of topology that has surprisingly practical applications, such as understanding how proteins coil DNA and how molecular structures remain stable.
—Max Springer, Scientific American, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for topology
Cite this Entry
“Topology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/topology. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
topology
noun
to·pol·o·gy
tə-ˈpäl-ə-jē
: a branch of mathematics concerned with the properties of geometric figures that do not change when the figure is twisted or stretched in certain ways
topological
adjective
ˌtäp-ə-ˈläj-i-kəl
ˌtōp-
Medical Definition
topology
noun
to·pol·o·gy
tə-ˈpäl-ə-jē, tä-
plural topologies
1
2
: configuration sense 1
the topology of a molecule
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