discrete

Separate from other things, with clear boundaries or differences.

• The work has three discrete stages.
• We divided the material into discrete sections.
• Each sample represents a discrete group of people.

Similar words: separate, distinct, individual

Opposites: continuous

Common phrases: discrete units, discrete stages, discrete groups

Using separate values that can be counted, rather than every possible value within a range.

• The variable takes discrete values.
• The number of students is a discrete variable.
• We used a discrete probability distribution to model the results.

Opposites: continuous

Common phrases: discrete values, discrete variable, discrete distribution

Describing a statement whose parts express a contrast or choice.

• The logician called this a discrete proposition.
• A discrete clause can introduce a contrast.
• The textbook uses discrete propositions to illustrate statements joined by but.

Similar words: disjunctive

Common phrases: discrete proposition, discrete clause