DISCONTINUOUS

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does discontinuous mean? 

• DISCONTINUOUS (adjective)
  The adjective DISCONTINUOUS has 2 senses:

1. of a function or curve; possessing one or more discontinuities

2. not continuing without interruption in time or space

  Familiarity information: DISCONTINUOUS used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• DISCONTINUOUS (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Of a function or curve; possessing one or more discontinuities

Domain category:

math; mathematics; maths (a science (or group of related sciences) dealing with the logic of quantity and shape and arrangement)

Antonym:

continuous (of a function or curve; extending without break or irregularity)

Derivation:

discontinuity (lack of connection or continuity)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Not continuing without interruption in time or space

Synonyms:

discontinuous; noncontinuous

Context example:

he received a somewhat haphazard and discontinuous schooling

Similar:

disrupted (marked by breaks or gaps)

disjunct (used of distributions, as of statistical or natural populations)

Also:

broken (not continuous in space, time, or sequence or varying abruptly)

sporadic (recurring in scattered and irregular or unpredictable instances)

Antonym:

continuous (continuing in time or space without interruption)

Derivation:

discontinuity (lack of connection or continuity)

 Context examples 

A growth ring that is discontinuous around the stem so that it is absent along certain radii; also referred to as a partial ring or missing ring.

(Locally absent ring, NOAA Paleoclimate Glossary)

This protein plays a role in the synthesis of small RNA primers to resolve the Okazaki fragments made during discontinuous DNA replication.

(DNA Primase Large Subunit, NCI Thesaurus)

DNA Primase is a polymerase that synthesizes small RNA primers for Okazaki fragments made during discontinuous DNA replication.

(DNA Primase, NCI Thesaurus)

A dosage form containing one or more active ingredients, surfactants, aqueous or non-aqueous liquids, and the propellants; if the propellant is in the internal (discontinuous) phase (i.e., of the oil-in-water type), a stable foam is discharged, and if the propellant is in the external (continuous) phase (i.e., of the water-in-oil type), a spray or a quick-breaking foam is discharged.

(Aerosol Foam Dosage Form, NCI Thesaurus/CDISC)