Venn diagram

Definition

A diagram representing some sets by contours of closed shapes, such as circles or ellipses (and sometimes also the universal set as a rectangle enclosing all of these shapes), and indicating the relationships between the sets: by overlapping the shapes to show that the corresponding sets have a non-empty intersection, and by possibly (but not necessarily) enclosing all of the sets (which are proper subsets of the universal set) within a universal set (represented typically by a rectangle); such that the total number of simply connected regions is 2ⁿ, where n is the number of depicted sets which are proper subsets of the universal set.

Etymology

Named after British mathematician and philosopher John Venn (1834–1923).

Example Sentences

• "The overlapping section of the Venn diagram of Phillies fans and mystery meat aficionados probably already knows this, but the Phils’ beloved Dollar Dog Nights appeared to be over for the season (for the uninitiated, that’s when glizzies go on sale for a buck)."
• "[…]the gobal “mind, body and energy healing” market size […] was estimated at nearly $80bn in 2023 and is projected to grow year on year at 26 per cent to 2030. And the Venn diagram between this world and that of real estate and architecture is increasing."