Definition of "idempotent"

(mathematics, computing) (said of a function) Such that, when performed multiple times on the same subject, it has no further effect on its subject after the first time it is performed.  examples

(mathematics) (said of an element of an algebraic structure with a binary operation, such as a group or semigroup) Such that, when it operates on itself, the result is equal to itself.  examples

(mathematics) (said of a binary operation) Such that all of the distinct elements it can operate on are idempotent (in the sense given just above).  examples

(mathematics) (said of an algebraic structure) Having an idempotent operation (in the sense given above).  examples

(mathematics) An idempotent element.  examples

(mathematics) An idempotent structure.  examples