* Definitions are typically singular: In mathematics, definitions aim to be clear and concise, providing a single, unambiguous meaning for a term.
* Complementary concepts: Instead of "complementary definitions," we often see complementary concepts which are closely related but provide different perspectives on the same subject. For example:
* Sets: The concepts of "subset" and "superset" are complementary, as one defines containment within another.
* Geometry: The concepts of "angle" and "supplementary angle" are complementary, as they add up to a specific value (often 180 degrees).
* Dualities: Some mathematical concepts have dualities, which are essentially mirror images of each other. These are not exactly complementary definitions, but they do provide contrasting views of the same structure. For instance, in linear algebra, the concepts of "row space" and "null space" are duals.
If you are encountering the term "complementary definition" in a specific context, please provide more information so I can help you understand its meaning in that context.