attractor

IPA: ʌtrˈæktɝ

Something which attracts.
(mathematics, physics) A set of points or states to which a dynamical system evolves after a long enough time. That is, points that get close enough to the attractor remain close even if slightly disturbed.

Examples of "attractor" in Sentences

In other words, we are confronted with an intractable conflict attractor.
For instance, using a san jan worm as a lead or "attractor" pattern followed by an RS2 or some other small midge type nymph.
I actually think that the same hunger for authenticity that makes the internet a "strange attractor" is at works in politics, too.
And even though they may change temporarily we may lose seven pounds on a crash diet, odds are they will soon return to their attractor.
Classically, a dissipative chaotic system tends towards a strange attractor with a fractal structure; that is, the attractor exhibits substructure at all length scales.
This pattern has developed into a state that conflict scholars label intractable and that mathematicians call an attractor: the Israel-Palestinian conflict has thus become an intractable attractor.
While it is critical that members of NGOs and community-based organizations do whatever possible to increase intercommunal positivity and decrease negativity and suffering, it may be best to do so in a manner divorced from the "peace process," so as to avoid the polarization that can result from falling prey to the politics of the attractor.