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Discontinuity: meaning, definitions and examples

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discontinuity

 

[ ˌdɪs.kənˈtɪn.ju.ə.ti ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

mathematics

A discontinuity is a point at which a mathematical function is not continuous, or a point at which a function is not defined.

Synonyms

break, disruption, gap

Examples of usage

  • The function has a discontinuity at x=0.
  • The discontinuity in the graph causes a break in the curve.
Context #2 | Noun

physics

In physics, discontinuity refers to a sudden change or interruption in a physical process or property.

Synonyms

discontinuance, disruption, interruption

Examples of usage

  • The discontinuity in the wave pattern indicates a change in the medium.
  • The discontinuity in temperature suggests a shift in the system.
Context #3 | Noun

general

Discontinuity can also refer to a lack of connection or coherence in a sequence or series of events.

Synonyms

disconnection, disruption, inconsistency

Examples of usage

  • The discontinuity in the narrative confused the readers.
  • The sudden discontinuity in his behavior puzzled his friends.

Translations

Translations of the word "discontinuity" in other languages:

🇵🇹 descontinuidade

🇮🇳 विच्छेदन

🇩🇪 Diskontinuität

🇮🇩 diskontinuitas

🇺🇦 розрив

🇵🇱 nieciągłość

🇯🇵 不連続

🇫🇷 discontinuité

🇪🇸 discontinuidad

🇹🇷 süreksizlik

🇰🇷 불연속

🇸🇦 انقطاع

🇨🇿 diskontinuita

🇸🇰 diskontinuita

🇨🇳 不连续性

🇸🇮 diskontinuiteta

🇮🇸 ósamfella

🇰🇿 үздіксіздік

🇬🇪 უწყვეტობა

🇦🇿 kəsilmə

🇲🇽 discontinuidad

Etymology

The word 'discontinuity' originated from the Latin word 'discontinuitas', which means lack of continuity. It has been used in various fields such as mathematics, physics, and general contexts to describe a lack of smoothness or continuity. The concept of discontinuity plays a crucial role in understanding the behavior of functions, processes, and sequences.

See also: continual, continually, continuance, continuation, continuing, continuity, continuous, continuously, discontinuance, discontinuation, discontinue, discontinued, discontinuous.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,244, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.