Define 'Cognitive Dissonance' in psychology

The mental discomfort experienced by a person who holds two or more contradictory beliefs, ideas, or values at the same time

Define 'algorithmic complexity'

A measure of the computational resources needed by an algorithm to solve a given computational problem

Define 'discrete mathematics'

The study of mathematical structures that are fundamentally discrete rather than continuous, including graphs, integers, and statements in logic

Define 'gregarious'

Fond of company; sociable

Define 'Quantum Mechanics'

A fundamental theory in physics that provides a description of the physical properties of nature at the scale of atoms and subatomic particles

Define 'pithy'

Concise and forcefully expressive

Define 'fractal'

A complex geometric shape that can be split into parts, each of which is a reduced-scale copy of the whole, known for their self-similar patterns

Define 'garrulous'

Excessively talkative, especially on trivial matters

Define 'diligent'

Having or showing care and conscientiousness in one's work or duties

Define 'juxtapose'

Place or deal with close together for contrasting effect

Define 'Existentialism'

A philosophical theory or approach that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice, viewing each person as a unique being who is responsible for their own actions and destiny

Define 'integral calculus'

The study of integration, including the methods and applications of finding integrals and areas under curves

Define 'aberration'

A departure from what is normal, usual, or expected, typically an unwelcome one

Define 'metric space'

A set for which distances between all members of the set are defined, satisfying specific properties like non-negativity, identity of indiscernibles, symmetry, and triangle inequality

Define 'partition of a set'

A way of dividing a set into non-overlapping subsets that together cover the entire set

Define 'anomaly'

Something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected

Define 'mollify'

Appease the anger or anxiety of (someone)

Define 'ring theory'

The study of rings, algebraic structures consisting of a set equipped with two binary operations that generalize the arithmetic operations of addition and multiplication

Define 'pedantic'

Excessively concerned with minor details or rules; overscrupulous

Define 'graph theory'

The study of graphs, which are mathematical structures used to model pairwise relations between objects

Define 'behavioral psychology'

A field of psychology that examines observable behavior, focusing on the role of learning in the acquisition of new behaviors

Define 'munificent'

More generous than is usual or necessary

Define 'deride'

Express contempt for; ridicule

Define 'judicious'

Having, showing, or done with good judgment or sense

Define 'deus ex machina' in literary context

An unexpected power or event saving a seemingly hopeless situation, often seen as a plot device