naɪlˈpoʊtnt

Definitions

1. adjective

Of or denoting an element or group of elements in a ring, or a matrix, such that any power of it is zero.

“The nilpotent matrix had all its eigenvalues equal to zero, which explained its unusual behavior.”

2. noun

A nilpotent element or group, especially in ring theory.

“The professor discussed the properties of nilpotent groups in his lecture on abstract algebra.”