adjective

topological

top-uh-LOJ-ih-kuhl

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Topological (adjective) means relating to topology, the branch of mathematics concerned with properties that stay the same when a shape is stretched or bent without tearing. Example: “The two shapes are topological equivalents of each other.”

adjective

technical Relating to topology, the branch of mathematics concerned with properties that stay the same when a shape is stretched or bent without tearing.

"The two shapes are topological equivalents of each other."

"She studies the topological properties of curved surfaces."

"A coffee cup and a doughnut are often used as a topological example because each has one hole."

How to use topological

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTopological simply means having to do with topology, the maths of shapes and spaces.

When to use it

Topological is a technical, specialist word mostly confined to mathematics and related sciences.

Memory tip

If a word ends in -ological after a field of study, it usually just means relating to that field, as with topological and topology.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

typological

Common pairings

topological space topological property topologically equivalent topological structure

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “topological” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The two shapes are _____ equivalents of each other.

Etymology

Topological is formed by adding the adjective ending -ical to topology, the mathematical field it describes.

Origin: English

Rhymes for topological

musical comical radical medical logical lyrical typical cynical optical magical inimical biblical

See all rhymes for topological →

Frequently asked questions

What does topological mean in maths?

Topological describes anything relating to topology, the study of properties of shapes and spaces that do not change when they are stretched, twisted or bent, without cutting or joining.

What is a simple example of a topological property?

A common example is that a coffee cup and a doughnut shape are treated as the same because each has exactly one hole, even though their outward shapes differ.

Is topological only used in mathematics?

It is mainly a mathematical term, though it also appears in related technical fields such as physics and network science when describing structural properties of a space or system.

What is the meaning of topological?

"topological" (adjective) means relating to topology, the branch of mathematics concerned with properties that stay the same when a shape is stretched or bent without tearing.