aɪˈdentɪtɪ n. (pl. -ies) 1 a
the quality or
condition of
being a specified
person or
thing. b
individuality,
personality (felt he
had lost his identity). 2
identification or the
result of it (a case of
mistaken identity; identity card). 3 the
state of being the
same in
substance,
nature, qualities,
etc.;
absolute sameness (no identity of interests
between them). 4
Algebra a the
equality of
two expressions
for all values of the quantities expressed by letters. b an
equation expressing
this, e.g. (x + 1)(2) =
x(2) + 2x + 1. 5
Math. a (in full identity element) an
element in a set, left
unchanged by
any operation to
it. b a
transformation that leaves an
object unchanged. øidentity
crisis a
phase in
which an
individual feels a
need to
establish an identity in
relation to
society. identity
parade = identification parade. [LL identitas f. L
idem same]