unary operation

7.4

A math or computer action that uses one value

noun
/ˈjunəˌrē ˌäpəˈrāSHən/

Specialized

: operación unaria

In programming, the increment is a unary operation that adds one to a variable.

Examples

The negative sign is a classic example of a unary operation in arithmetic.
Applying the absolute value function to a number is a unary operation.
A unary operation can transform a single number.
The unary operation negates the value of its input.
Applying the absolute value function to a number is a unary operation.
In programming, the increment is a unary operation that adds one to a variable.
The negative sign is a classic example of a unary operation in arithmetic.

Synonyms

monadic operation

vsunary operation

Specialized

9.4

A math or programming action that takes only one input, like negation

has the same meaning but is an alternative technical term

Surface Forms

unary operation singular

unary operations plural

Morphology

unary + operation

The meaning 'an operation acting on exactly one input' is directly and compositionally derived from 'unary' (one-argument) + 'operation' (a procedure). Given knowledge of both constituents, a B1 learner can predict the noun phrase’s meaning without prior exposure, so it is transparently interpretable.

Etymology

Unary operation is a name that gives a clear picture: unary means 'one' and operation means an action done to something. So a unary operation is an action that uses only one input or number, which is why it means 'an operation on exactly one input' today.