Phrase guide

initial object

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

An object within a category which sends out arrows to all other objects in that category, and such that each of these arrows is unique.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: category-theory, computing, engineering, mathematics, natural-sciences, physical-sciences, sciences

Examples

  • In the category of sets, the initial object is the empty set, since there exists a unique function, namely the empty function, from the empty set into any other given set.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

6 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: alkupiste — Translations
  • Finnish: aluspiste — Translations
  • German: Anfangsobjekt — Translations
  • German: initiales Objekt — Translations
  • Polish: obiekt początkowy — Translations
  • Russian: начальный объект (načalʹnyj obʺjekt) — Translations