topology
topology — noun
- topologysingular
- topologiesplural
1. How the components of a system, computer network, or physical object are organiz
How the components of a system, computer network, or physical object are organized and linked together.
The IT team redesigned the office network topology so that every workstation connects directly to the main server.
topology + of + noun (network topology)
Mei-Lin studied the topology of the city's subway system before starting her new job as a transport planner.
The topology of a printed circuit board determines how the electronic components communicate with each other.
The topology of a large organisation shows which departments work most closely together.
Dr. Okonkwo drew a map showing the topology of the river system, marking every stream and tributary.
- configuration
more general, less technical — can replace 'topology' in most non-mathematical contexts
- arrangement
everyday word for how things are placed; lacks the formal/systematic sense of 'topology'
- structure
broader — includes hierarchy and organisation, not just connections
文法句型
topology + of + noun phrase
用法筆記
Often followed by 'of' and a noun describing the system or object (e.g., 'network topology', 'bus topology'). This is the most common non-technical use of the word, especially in computing and engineering.
常見錯誤
2. A mathematical discipline that studies how shapes and surfaces keep certain feat
A mathematical discipline that studies how shapes and surfaces keep certain features when pulled, twisted, or curved — provided the object is not cut or split.
Professor Chen said a square and circle are the same in topology — you can stretch one into the other.
in topology + statement about properties
Elena chose to write her master's thesis on knot theory, which is a lively area of research within topology.
Advanced topology students learned that a doughnut and a coffee cup have the same shape because each has one hole.
Topology is sometimes called rubber-sheet geometry because it studies what stays the same when a surface is stretched.
The professor's topology research helped engineers fold a large satellite dish so it fits inside a rocket.
- rubber-sheet geometry
informal, memorable name used to introduce the idea to beginners; not a formal synonym
文法句型
topology + is + noun phrase describing field
用法筆記
In academic writing, 'topology' takes a singular verb ('Topology is...'). The adjective 'topological' is used to describe things that relate to this branch of mathematics (e.g., 'topological space', 'topological property'). The adverb 'topologically' is also common.
常見錯誤
3. The study of the physical features and historical development of a specific area
The study of the physical features and historical development of a specific area, including its surface shapes and how human activity has changed them over time.
The team published a topology of the ancient port city, showing how the coastline had shifted over two thousand years.
topology + of + a place (formal, academic)
Ana studied the topology of the valley to understand why earlier settlers chose that location for their village.
A thorough topology of the battlefield helped historians reconstruct the movement of troops during the campaign.
The museum's exhibition included a topology of the region created from old maps and aerial photographs.
Unlike a simple map, a topology of a place also explains how people shaped the land through farming and building.
- topography
more common word for physical surface features; 'topology' adds historical and cultural context
文法句型
topology + of + a place
用法筆記
This sense overlaps with 'topography', but 'topology' here places more emphasis on the historical relationship between physical features and human activity. The word is not common in everyday conversation — 'topography' is much more frequent for physical surface features alone.
4. The study of the human body by regions — such as the chest, head, or abdomen — f
The study of the human body by regions — such as the chest, head, or abdomen — focusing on how muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and organs are arranged in relation to one another within each area.
Dr. Park credited his thorough understanding of chest topology for the success of the complicated heart surgery.
topology + of + a body region (medical context)
First-year medical students studied the topology of the head and neck region in detail.
Knowing the topology of the lower back helps a doctor find the source of a patient's pain.
The human topology textbook showed arm cross-sections with every muscle and nerve in different colours.
A surgeon's training in topology allows her to operate on one area without damaging nearby structures.
- regional anatomy
the standard medical term for the same concept; 'topology' is less common
- topographic anatomy
equivalent formal term used in medical textbooks
文法句型
topology + of + body part
topology + in + medicine context
用法筆記
In medical contexts, 'topology' is used synonymously with 'regional anatomy' or 'topographic anatomy'. It is rarely used outside medical or anatomical education.