discontinuous

[dis-kuhn-tin-yoo-uhs]

adjective

1. not continuous; broken; interrupted; intermittent.

   a discontinuous chain of mountains; a discontinuous argument.

2. Mathematics.,  (of a function at a point) not continuous at the point.

discontinuous

/ ˌdɪskənˈtɪnjʊəs /

adjective

1. characterized by interruptions or breaks; intermittent

2. maths (of a function or curve) changing suddenly in value for one or more values of the variable or at one or more points Compare continuous

discontinuous

1. Mathematics,  Relating to a function that contains one or more points where the function is either discontinuous or undefined.

Other Word Forms

• discontinuousness noun
• discontinuously adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of discontinuous¹

From the Medieval Latin word discontinuus, dating back to 1660–70. See dis- ¹, continuous

Example Sentences

These strategies enabled the production of dense and continuous Te thin films compared to conventional methods that often resulted in porous or discontinuous grain depositions.

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Over the last few centuries, scientists reported that these "mats" have been "limited" and "discontinuous."

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If that did not happen, he said the union was likely to ballot its members for a withdrawal of all overtime working and a series of discontinuous 24-hour stoppages.

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Proust’s epic now feels to me sort of twee and also not discontinuous enough.

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Quantum mechanics, on the other hand, describes a jerky and discontinuous universe.

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