continuous variation

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noun Biology.

variation in phenotypic traits such as body weight or height in which a series of types are distributed on a continuum rather than grouped into discrete categories.

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Compare discontinuous variation.

Origin of continuous variation

First recorded in 1890–95

Words nearby continuous variation

continuously variable transmission, continuous miner, continuous processing, continuous spectrum, continuous stationery, continuous variation, continuous wave, continuous waves, continuous welded rail, continuum, continuum hypothesis

How to use continuous variation in a sentence

As I went spelunking through the research literature, I found a huge variation in definitions.
You’re Never ‘Cured’ of an Eating Disorder|Carrie Arnold|December 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The director, Jonathan Demme, offers us a continuous rock experience that keeps building, becoming ever more intense and euphoric.
The Stacks: Pauline Kael's Talking Heads Obsession|Pauline Kael|November 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Biological variation was celebrated in the pantheon of the gods.
Intersexuality and God Through the Ages|Candida Moss|November 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
There had been continuous problems with the Pratt & Whitney engines.
The Sexy Dream of the 747|Clive Irving|October 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST

That really hit me, the continuous flow of ideas without stopping.
The Stacks: John Coltrane’s Mighty Musical Quest|Nat Hentoff|October 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Messrs. Jennens and Bettridge commenced in 1816, and improvements in the manufacture have been many and continuous.
Showell's Dictionary of Birmingham|Thomas T. Harman and Walter Showell
Marked variation in the amount at successive examinations strongly suggests a neurosis.
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis|James Campbell Todd
That the first part of this was probably quite true we can readily agree to, also that the out-put was continuous.
Antonio Stradivari|Horace William Petherick
After 24 hours' heavy and continuous fighting a substantial success has been achieved.
Gallipoli Diary, Volume I|Ian Hamilton
The variation of the compass in this interval is scarcely affected by the ship's local attraction.
Narrative of a Survey of the Intertropical and Western Coasts of Australia] [Volume 2 of 2]|Phillip Parker King

Scientific definitions for continuous variation

continuous variation

Variation within a population in which a graded series of intermediate phenotypes falls between the extremes. Height in human beings, for example, exists in continuous variation.