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

/ dĭs′kən-tĭn′yo̅o̅-əs /

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

Derived Forms

• ˌdisconˈtinuousness, noun
• ˌdisconˈtinuously, adverb

Other Words From

• discon·tinu·ous·ly adverb
• discon·tinu·ous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of discontinuous¹

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

Example Sentences

The fact that energy is discontinuous at small scales is at odds with our view of the ordinary world, but now we take this aspect of nature for granted.

From Nautilus

American foreign policy is much more continuous than discontinuous.

From The Daily Beast

Modifications of the system have been adopted for bridges with discontinuous spans.

From Project Gutenberg

They were discontinuous lumps of flesh sharing a common vocabulary, yet not even truly discontinuous.

From Project Gutenberg

Only the facts are so discontinuous so far that possibly all our generation can do may be to get 'em called facts.

From Project Gutenberg

Sterilise these coupled flasks by the discontinuous method, in the usual manner.

From Project Gutenberg

Species are definitely discontinuous, and this is the only discontinuity which Nature shows us.

From Project Gutenberg