selektiva

Selektiva is a term used in several languages to denote the quality of selectivity—the tendency to prefer or exclude certain elements, outcomes, or responses. Depending on language and domain, selektiva can function as an adjective meaning selective, or as a noun referring to the property itself. The term is widely used in science and technology to describe processes, materials, or agents that show a preference for a particular target.

In chemistry, selectivity refers to the ability of a reaction, reagent, or catalyst to favor the formation of a specific product over others. Enantioselectivity describes preference for one enantiomer; chemo-selectivity describes preference for certain functional groups. In pharmacology, selective toxicity describes drugs that kill or inhibit pathogens without harming the host.

In biology and medicine, selective permeability is a property of cellular membranes that controls the movement of substances. Selective breeding uses human choice to enhance desirable traits in crops and livestock.

In technology and information processing, selective methods filter data or stimuli, enabling targeted processing or response. In neuroscience and psychology, selective attention refers to focusing processing resources on specific stimuli while ignoring others.

The term appears in various languages as a descriptor of selective nature, and may also be used as a brand or product name. See also: selectivity, selective pressure, enantioselectivity, selective catalysis.