Singleton
Generally, a singleton is something which exists alone in some way. The word is used in several different areas:
- Singleton is used to refer to single babies (as opposed to twin or other multiple births)
- In mathematics, a singleton is a set with exactly one element, for example: {1}. Note that a set such as {{1,2,3}} is also a singleton: the only element is a set (which itself isn't a singleton). In axiomatic set theory, the existence of singletons is a consequence of the axiom of pairing.
- In computer programming, a singleton is a common design pattern. It refers to a class which is meant to be instanced once, and only once. It is much like a global variable[?] in functional programming, but a "global class-instance" instead.
- In the wake of the popularity of the novel and movie Bridget Jones's Diary, the word has also become popular as a (self)description of individuals without romantic partners, particularly applied to 20/30-something females. There is an undertone to this use of ignoring societal pressures towards partnerships.
- In the game of contract bridge, a singleton has a specific meaning referring to a hand containing only one card of a particular suit, a singleton. Certain bidding systems (notably Acol[?]) add notional value to the hand for a short suit of this type since it exposes the possibility of trumping.
- Singleton, Australia[?], a place in New South Wales
Why, it's but a child.html">child.html">child.
A strange song for a child, but she sings sweetly.
Because I have said wicked things to-night.html">night.html">night.
THE VOICE. The wind.html">wind.html">wind blows out of the gates of the day,
And the lonely of heart is withered away.
Shaking their milk.html">milk.html">milk-white feet.html">feet in a ring,
For they hear the wind laugh and murmur and sing
And even the wise are merry of tongue
When the wind has laughed and murmured and sung
So I will bring her in out of the cold.
(He brings in the faery child.)
THE CHILD. I tire of winds and waters and pale lights.
MAURTEEN. And that's no wonder, for when night has fallen
But you are welcome here.
THE CHILD. I am welcome here.
There is one here that must away, away.
Are you not cold?
For I have run a long, long way this night.
BRIDGET. You have a comely shape.
MAURTEEN. Your hair is wet.
BRIDGET. I'll warm your chilly feet.
MAURTEEN. You have come indeed
Your pretty face--and must be tired and hungry,
Old mother.html">mother, have you no sweet food for me?
BRIDGET. I have some honey.
(She goes into the next room.)
MAURTEEN. You have coaxing ways,
Porringer with milk.)
BRIDGET. She is the child of gentle people; look
I've brought you some new milk, but wait a while
For things well fitted for poor folk like us
You work your fingers to the bone.html">bone, old mother.
But you must work your fingers to the bone
The young must sigh through many a dream and hope,
Loving old age and.
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