discontinuous
Americanadjective
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not continuous; broken; interrupted; intermittent.
a discontinuous chain of mountains; a discontinuous argument.
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Mathematics. (of a function at a point) not continuous at the point.
adjective
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characterized by interruptions or breaks; intermittent
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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
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of discontinuous
From the Medieval Latin word discontinuus, dating back to 1660–70. See dis- 1, continuous
Compare meaning
How does discontinuous compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Vocabulary lists containing discontinuous
AB Calculus
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Calculus, List 1
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BC Calculus
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The multiple authors of a December paper published in Nature's Communications Earth and Environment note that "Satellite technologies are essential for global conservation actions through providing continuous, real-time Earth monitoring."
From Salon • Apr. 4, 2025
Europol said its support was central in the development of the Spanish investigation, by providing continuous intelligence development and analysis to map out the international activity of the network.
From Seattle Times • Oct. 14, 2022
Mobile operators are interested in providing continuous service across the globe, particularly in light of the coverage needed for advanced, 5G applications.
From Los Angeles Times • May 16, 2019
He has also swallowed a radio pill, which acts as an internal thermometer, providing continuous readings of his temperature which can be picked up by a life monitor strapped across his chest.
From The Guardian • Apr. 6, 2010
The ten tales in this book have the virtue of providing continuous surprise.
From Time Magazine Archive
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
