discrete
adj.-
1 separate and distinct (adj.) C1 Advanced Academicdescribing things that are separate and individual, not connected to each other.
individually separate and distinct; not forming a continuous whole.
ExampleThe project is broken down into several discrete steps that we can complete one by one.
ExampleThe researcher argued that the data should be viewed as a series of discrete events rather than a single, uninterrupted process.
UsageUsually placed before the noun it modifies.
PitfallHe was very discrete about his private life.He was very discreet about his private life.Do not confuse 'discrete' (separate) with 'discreet' (careful/secretive).
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2 mathematical values (adj.) C1 Advanced Technical Mathdescribing numbers or sets where each value is separate, like whole numbers.
consisting of distinct values from a finite or countable set; non-continuous in a mathematical sense.
ExampleA roll of a die results in a discrete value between one and six.
ExampleIn discrete mathematics, we study structures that are fundamentally separated rather than those that vary smoothly over an interval.
UsageCommonly used in the phrase 'discrete variables' or 'discrete data'.
- finite
- countable
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3 electronic components (adj.) C2 Proficiency Technical Computingmade of separate parts like individual transistors rather than a single chip.
composed of separate electronic components such as individual resistors or diodes, as opposed to integrated circuits.
ExampleThe old radio was built using discrete components rather than modern microchips.
ExampleHigh-end audio enthusiasts often prefer amplifiers made with discrete circuitry, believing it offers superior sound quality compared to integrated chips.
From Old French discret, from Latin discrētus, past participle of discernō (“divide”), from dis- + cernō (“sift”). Doublet of discreet.