idempotent 
idempotent (i-Uem'po-teut), . [<L. idem, the 
same, + poten(t-~)s, having power: see potent. J 
In multiple algebra, a quantity which multiplied 
into itself gives itself. Ordinary unity is idi-ni- 
potcnt. 
identic (i-den'tik), a. [Formerly identick, iden- 
tique, < F. identiqice = Sp. identico = Pg. It. 
identico (cf . D. Q. identisch = Dan. Sw. identislc), 
< ML. identicus, the same, < L. identi- (iii iden- 
lidi'in, repeatedly), < idem, the same: see iden- 
tity.'] Same as identical. [Rare.] 
Lady, your bright 
And radiant eyes are in the right; 
The beard's th' identique beard you knew, 
The same numerically true. 
S. liittler, Hudibras, II. i. 149. 
To aggregate the particles of matter in identic shapes. 
Duke of Argyll. 
identical (5-den'ti-kal), a. [< identic + -al.] 
1. Being the same; absolutely indistinguish- 
able ; distinguishable only as points of view of 
that which is one in its own being : also used 
loosely to express the fact that two or more 
things compared are the same in the particu- 
lars considered, or differ in no essential point. 
Absolute justice and absolute love are never antagonis- 
tic, but identical. 
Theodore Parker, Love and the Affections. 
I cannot remember a thing that happened a year ago, 
without a conviction, as strong as memory can give, that 
1, the same identical person who now remember that event, 
did then exist. Reid, Intellectual Powers, iii. 1. 
The choice of a representative was once identical with 
the choice of a chief. Our House of Commons had its roots 
In local gatherings like those in which uncivilized tribes 
select head warriors. H. Spencer, Prin. of Sociol., 498. 
2. Expressing identity. 
That a ton equals a ton is an identical proposition ; that 
the weight of a ton of coals equals the weight of 20 cwt 
of stones is an equivalent proposition. 
G. H. Lewes, Probs. of Life and Mind, 1st ser., II. ii. 8 80. 
Identical equation. See equation. Identical note, 
in diplomacy, an official communication in terms agreed 
upon by two or more governments, each of which sends 
a copy to some power which they wish to influence or 
warn by a simultaneous expression of unanimous opinion. 
Identical operation, an operation which leaves the 
operand unchanged. Identical proposition [ML. pro- 
potdtio identica, a phrase originating with the Scotists 
in the 14th century], a proposition which is true by virtue 
of the definitions of the terms together with the rules of 
formal logic. Thus, " Everything that is at once tall and 
either a man or a woman is either a tall man or a tall 
woman," is an identical proposition. 
If those who blame my calling them trifling proposi- 
tions had but read, and been at the pains to understand, 
what I had above writ in very plain English, they could 
not but have seen that by identical proposition* I mean 
only such wherein the same term, importing the same 
idea, is affirmed of itself : which I take to be the proper 
signification of identical propositions ; and concerning all 
such, I think I may continue safely to say that to pro- 
pose them as instructive is no better than trifling. . . . 
But if men will call propositions identical wherein the 
same term is not affirmed of itself, whether they speak 
more properly than I others must judge. 
Locke, Human Understanding, IV. viii. 3. 
identically (I-den'ti-kal-i), adv. In an identi- 
cal manner ; with actual or intrinsic sameness : 
often followed by the same or alike to express 
absolute sameness or likeness in every partic- 
ular: as, two identically worded notes; their 
views are identically the same or alike identi- 
cally true, in older writings, said of that which is true 
as a fact by virtue of the identity in existence of the sub- 
ject and predicate; now used in the sense of that which 
is true as an identical proposition or equation. 
identicalness (I-den'ti-kal-nes), n. The state 
or quality of being identical ; sameness. 
She has an high opinion of her sex, to think they can 
charm so long a man so well acquainted with their iden- 
ticalnem. Richardson, Clarissa Harlowe, IV. 201. 
identifiable (I-den'ti-fl-a-bl), a. [< identify + 
-able.~\ Capable of being identified. 
identification (I-den^ti-fi-ka'shon), n. [= P. 
identification = Pg. identificaqtio : see identify 
and -fication.~] 1. The act of making or prov- 
ing to be the same ; the state of being made or 
regarded as the same. 
I am not ready to admit the identification of the Romish 
faith with Gospel faith. Bp. Watson, Charge. 
Resemblance itself may be fatal to identification when 
the law of being is change. J. Ward, Encyc. Brit., XX. 81. 
2. The act or process of establishing the iden- 
tity of something ; the act or process of deter- 
mining what a given thing is, or who a given 
person is; specifically, in nat. hist., the deter- 
mining of the species to which a given specimen 
belongs; also, the determination thus made. 
identify (i-den'ti-fi), . ; pret. and pp. identified, 
ppr. identifying. [= F. identifier = Sp. Pg. 
identificar=lt. identificare, identify, < ML. iden- 
ticus, the same, + L. -ficare, < facere, make : 
see identic and -/?/.] I. trans. 1. To make to 
be the same ; unite or combine in such a inaii- 
2975 
ner as to make one ; treat as having the same 
use; eoiisider as the same in effect; represent 
as the same. 
Let us identify, let us incorporate ourselves with the 
people. Ilurke, Economical Reform. 
To identif/i theology with the doctrine of the supernat- 
ural is, :ts I have pointed out, to narrow the meaning of 
the word unnaturally. J. It. Seeley, Nat. Religion, p. GO. 
2. To determine or establish the identity of ; 
ascertain that something met with is identical 
with something otherwise known; ascertain 
what a given thing or who a given person is; 
specifically, in nut. hist., to determine to what 
species a given specimen belongs : as, the child 
was identified by its clothing ; the owner identi- 
fied his goods. 
Ultima Thule, the furthest of the Britannic Isles, has 
been identified with all sorts of localities. 
C. Elton, Origins of Eug. Hist., p. 67. 
3. To mark or characterize in such a way as to 
show what the thing marked is; serve as a 
means of identification for. 
There is here not merely mental arrest but actual con- 
flict; the voice perceived identifies Jacob, at the same 
time the hands identify Esau. 
J. Ward, Encyc. Brit., XX. 02. 
To Identify One's self -with, (a) To regard one's self 
as being the essence or chief factor of. 
As a statesman, he identified himself uith the state. 
Prescott, Ferd. and Isa., ii. 25. 
(6) To make one's self a part of (an organization, move- 
ment, cause, etc.); be conspicuously active in the promo- 
tion of ; as, he early identified himself with the abolition 
movement. 
II. intrans. To become the same; coalesce 
in interest, purpose, use, effect, etc. [Rare.] 
An enlightened self-interest, which, when well under- 
stood, they tell us, will identify with an interest more en- 
larged than public. Burke, Rev. in France. 
identism (I-den'tizm), n. [< ident(ic) + -ism.'} 
The system or doctrine of identity: a name 
applied to the metaphysical theory of Schelling. 
See identity. 
identity (i-den'ti-ti), . [= F. identit^ = Sp. 
identidad = Pg. identidade = It. identita = D. 
identiteit = G. identitat = Dan. Sw. identitet, 
< ML. identita(t-)s, sameness, < identicus, the 
same, < L. identi- (in identidem, repeatedly), < 
idem, the same: see identic and idem.'] The 
state of being the same; absolute sameness; 
that relation which anything bears to itself; 
loosely, essential or practical sameness. Prop- 
erly, identity belongs only to the individual, 
thing, being, event, etc. 
In no form of government is there an absolute identity 
of interest between the people and their rulers.. 
Macaulay, Mill on Government. 
Absolute identity. See absolute. Generic identity. 
See generic. Personal Identity. See personal. Prin- 
ciple of Identity, in logic, the general formula A = A. 
=Syn. See sameness. 
ideogram (i'de-o-gram), n. [< Gr. i&ea, idea, + 
7pd/i/ia, a writing.] Same as ideograph. Isaac 
Taylor, The Alphabet, I. 8. 
ideograph (i'de-o-graf),M. [<Gr.Wfe, anidea, + 
ypAitat, write.] A character, symbol, or figure 
which suggests the idea of an object without 
expressing its name. 
ideographic (i"de-o-graf 'ik), a. [= F. ideo- 
graphique = Sp. ideogrdfico ; as ideograph + 
-ic.] Representing ideas directly, and not 
through the medium of their names: applied 
specifically to that mode of writing which, by 
means of symbols, figures, or hieroglyphics, 
suggests the idea of an object without express- 
ing its name. All written signs are believed to have 
been ideographic in their origin, as are the Chinese charac- 
ters, and the hieroglyphics of the ancient Egyptians for the 
most part. 
The picture-writing of the Mexicans was found to have 
given birth to a ... family of ideographic forms. 
H. Spencer, Universal Progress, p. 19. 
A few years ago a religious work was printed at Vienna 
in the Mikmak language, in which no less than 5701 ideo- 
graphic symbols are employed. 
Isaac Taylor, The Alphabet, I. 21. 
ideographical (Fde-o-grafi-kal), a. [< ideo- 
graphic + -al.~\ Same as ideographic. 
ideographically (i"de-o-graf'i-kal-i), adv. In 
an ideographic manner: as, a sentence ex- 
pressed ideographically. 
ideographics (I"de-o-graf'iks), . [PI. of ideo- 
graphic : see -ics.~] A method of writing in ide- 
ographic characters. See ideographic. 
ideography (i-de-og'ra-fi), n. [= F. ideographic 
= Pg. ideograpMa, < Gr. ISea, an idea, + -ypafyia, 
< ypcupeiv, write.] The direct representation of 
ideas by graphic signs. See ideographic. 
ideologic (i' / de-o-loj'ik), . [Also ideologic; = 
F. ideoloyique = Sp. ideologic!) = It. ideologico ; 
as ideology + -ic.] Same as ideological. 
Idia 
His [Napoleon's] hatred of idealogues Is well known, but 
the novel was that species of zdealogic composition that 
came least into collision with the principles of imperial- 
ism. Cttamberu's Encyc. 
ideological (i"de-c)-loj'i-kal), a. [< ideologic 
+ -oZ.] 1. Pertaining to ideology. 
I would willingly have . . . persevered to the end in the 
same abstinence which I have hitherto observed from ide- 
ological discussions. J. S. SHU, Logic, IV. i. 4. 
2. Relating to or depending on the idea or sig- 
nification. Isaac Taylor, The Alphabet, 1. 188. 
ideologist (I-de-ol'6-jist), u. [= F. ideologiste; 
as idcolog-y 4- -ist."] 1. One who is occupied 
with ideas or ideals that have no real signifi- 
cance or value ; one who indulges in theories 
or speculations, or fabricates ideal schemes. 
As to the cultivated and intelligent liberals of 1789, he 
consigns them with a word to the place where they belong ; 
they are ideologists : in other words, their pretended know- 
ledge is mere drawing-room prejudice and the imagination 
of the closet. New Princeton Rev., III. 294. 
2. One who advocates the doctrines of ideol- 
ogy- 
The society of ideologists at Auteuil. 
Encyc. Brit., XXIII. 497. 
ideologue (i-de'o-log), . [Also, less correctly, 
ideologue; < F. 'ideologue = Sp. ideologo = Pg. 
ideologo, < Gr. 'Ma, idea, + -/loyof, < JUyetv, 
speak: see -ology.] Same as ideologist. 
Some domestic ideologue, who sits 
And coldly chooses empire, where as well 
He might republic. 
Mrs. Browning, Aurora Leigh, viil. 
ideology (I-de-ol'o-ji), n. [Also, less correctly, 
ideology; < F. ideologic = Sp. ideologia = Pg. 
It. ideologia, < Gr. I6a, idea, + -/U>yr, < ^.eyeiv, 
speak: see -ology."] The science of ideas or of 
mind; a name applied by the later disciples of 
the French philosopher Condillac to the his- 
tory and evolution of human ideas, considered 
as so many successive forms or modes of cer- 
tain original or transformed sensations; that 
system of mental philosophy which derives 
knowledge exclusively from sensation. 
Our neighbours . . . have made choice of the term ide- 
ology . . . to express that department of knowledge which 
had been called the science of the human mind. 
D. Stewart, Philosophical Essays, iii. 
ideomotion (I // de-o-m6'shon), n. [< idea + mo- 
tion.'] In physiol., motion induced by the force 
of a dominant idea, and neither voluntary nor 
purely reflex. 
ideomotor (i"de-6-md'tor), a. [< L. idea, idea, 
+ motor, mover. 5 In physiol., a term applied 
by Dr. Carpenter to muscular movements re- 
sulting from complete engrossment by an idea. 
These he regarded as automatic, although ori- 
ginating in the cerebrum. 
In this paper he [Dr. Carpenter] also extended the idea 
of reflex nervous function to the centers of sensation and 
ideation, and enunciated the fundamental notions of " con- 
sensual " and of ideo-motor action. 
Pop. Sci. Mo., XXVIII. MS. 
ideopraxist (I^de-o-prak'sist), n. [< Gr. Ifiia, 
idea, + irpat-if, doing (see praxis), + -ist.] One 
who is impelled to act by the force of an idea ; 
one who devotes his energies to the carrying 
out of an idea. [Rare.] 
He himself, says the Professor, was among the complet- 
est Ideologists, at least Jdeopraxists: in the Idea ... he 
lived, moved, and fought. Carlyle, Sartor Resartus, p. 123. 
ides (idz), n. pi. [In ME. idus, also in sing, ide; 
F. ides = Sp. idus = Pg. idus, idos = It. idi = G. 
idus, etc., = Gr. clooi, < L. idus, often eidus, pi. 
of unused sing. *idus (idu-), the ides.] In the 
ancient Roman calendar, the eighth day after 
the nones that is, the 13th of January, Feb- 
ruary, April, June, August, September, Novem- 
ber, and December, and the 15th of March, May, 
July, and October. The seven days after the nones 
in each month are identified by their ordinal numbers be- 
fore the ides (the ides themselves included), as the eighth, 
seventh, sixth, etc. , day before the ides. 
A soothsayer bids you beware the ides of March. 
Shak., J. C., L 2. 
id est (id est). [L. : id, neut. of is, he, that, = 
Goth, is, he (see hel and hit%, now it) ; est = 
E. is.] That is; that is to say: usually written 
with the abbreviation i. e. 
Idia (id'i-a), n. [NL. (Meigen, 1826), < Gr. Uiof, 
peculiar : see idiom.~\ A genus of dipterous in- 
sects, of the family Muscida;. They are of medium 
size and blackish -gray color, sometimes reddish-yellow on 
the abdomen. The eyes are naked ; the antennee are ap- 
pressed, with the third joint half as long again as the sec- 
ond; the bristle is comb-like; the legs are slim and slight- 
ly hairy ; the middle tibiee are naked on the inner side ; 
the wings have no marginal thorn ; and the abdomen is 
of a flattened, round-oval figure. The species abound in 
tropical countries : one is European and another North 
American. 
