semigroup
/ˈsɛmiˌɡrup/
noun
- A set of elements combined with an operation that is associative, meaning the grouping of operations does not change the result.
- In math class, we learned that the set of positive integers under addition forms a semigroup.
- The computer scientist explained how a semigroup can model certain types of data processing.
- A semigroup is simpler than a group because it does not require an identity element or inverses.