Kirby calculus

noun

A method in geometric topology for modifying framed links in the 3-sphere using a finite set of moves (the Kirby moves).

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Meanings

nounKirby calculus (uncountable)
  1. uncountablemathematicsA method in geometric topology for modifying framed links in the 3-sphere using a finite set of moves (the Kirby moves).

Origin

After Robion Kirby (born 1938), American topologist.

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Cite this entry
APA

Kirby calculus. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Kirby%20calculus

MLA

“Kirby calculus.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Kirby%20calculus. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “Kirby calculus,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Kirby%20calculus.

Source: Kirby calculus on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.