idempotent

/ˈaɪdəmˈpoʊtnt/

In mathematics, a number that is idempotent keeps the same value when multiplied by itself, no matter how many times the function is applied.

The word idempotent comes from the Latin words idem, which means "the same," and potent, from potentem, which means "power." For example, one times one always equals one no matter how many times you multiply it. If you press the “pause” button on a video player many times with no new results, the button is idempotent. Can we finish the movie now?

Definitions of idempotent

1. adjective

   unchanged in value following multiplication by itself
   “this matrix is idempotent”

   synonyms:

   unchanged

   not made or become different