selectivity

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   The quality of being selective, or extent to which something is selective.

   […] while music was known to have scientific qualities — harmony, Pythagorean proportional relationship, etc. — it was the musician who by his selectivity made these proportions beautiful, […]

2. 2
   noun

   An approach to social work that prioritizes people perceived as having the most need for assistance.

   Proponents of selectivity herald its cost effectiveness; instead of resources being spread over a vast population, money or services can be used where they are most needed. This can help fill in the gaps between needy and non-needy groups. […] Critics of selectivity argue, however, that it may be more cost effective to provide social welfare benefits across the board rather than to spend time and money sorting out those who are "truly disadvantaged."

3. 3
   noun

   the property of being selective

4. 4
   noun

   The ability of a radio receiver to separate a desired signal frequency from others.

5. 5
   noun

   Discrimination of a reactant towards a choice of other reactants; the ratio of rate constants for different reactants.

Etymology

From selective + -ity.