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discrete

adjective
dis·​crete | \ di-ˈskrÄ“t How to pronounce discrete (audio) , ˈdis-ËŒ\

Definition of discrete

1 : constituting a separate entity : individually distinct several discrete sections
2a : consisting of distinct or unconnected elements : noncontinuous
b : taking on or having a finite or countably infinite number of values discrete probabilities a discrete random variable
Other Words from discrete Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about discrete

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Other Words from discrete

discretely adverb
discreteness noun

Choose the Right Synonym for discrete

distinct, separate, discrete mean not being each and every one the same. distinct indicates that something is distinguished by the mind or eye as being apart or different from others. two distinct versions separate often stresses lack of connection or a difference in identity between two things. separate rooms discrete strongly emphasizes individuality and lack of connection. broke the job down into discrete stages

Examples of discrete in a Sentence

The idea is to disconnect the memory from the reactions to the memory, so that although the memory of the traumatic event remains, the everyday things that can trigger fear and panic, such as trash blowing across the interstate or a car backfiring … are restored to insignificance. The trauma thus becomes a discrete event, not a constant, self-replicating, encompassing condition. — Sue Halpern, New Yorker, 19 May 2008 Eliminating stress entirely is not an option. If there are discrete sources of stress in your life—a relationship, a job, a health problem—you can and should take action to try to mitigate them. But my experience is that we all are subject to a kind of conservation law of stress. If stress recedes in one area, it seems to increase in another. — Time, 17 Oct. 2005 The newer, digital phones broadcast their communications in discrete bursts of energy, whereas analog devices employ continuous signals. — Janet Raloff, Science News, 12 Feb. 2000 several discrete sections to this vast medical complex, including a college of pharmacology and a research center
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Recent Examples on the Web

 No one factor or discrete set of factors causes youth to feel like ending their lives. — oregonlive, "In Oregon, academic pressures, existential fears help explain rising rates of suicide, mental health conditions," 8 Sep. 2019 Most medical information, even in electronic health records, isn’t documented in consistent and discrete ways that can be easily extracted by a computer. — Time, "Machines Treating Patients? It's Already Happening," 21 Mar. 2019 Like Sherman’s order, this 1988 federal measure compensated the actual victims of a discrete policy. — Charles Lane, Twin Cities, "Charles Lane: Would reparations for slavery be constitutional?," 14 Aug. 2019 Event organizer Peggy Margetts said the kits help students in a discrete way and show students their school cares about their well-being. — USA TODAY, "Smokey Bear, tarantula trek, censoring Adam and Eve: News from around our 50 states," 9 Aug. 2019 The team identified three discrete patches of stars, with ages spanning 20 million to 260 million years, that are narrowly distributed along several of the Milky Way’s spiral arms. — Nadia Drake, National Geographic, "The Milky Way is warped around the edges, new star map confirms," 1 Aug. 2019 There was the sheer scale—fully empty dugouts, several discrete waves of emotion, whole minutes of action (and inaction). — Emma Baccellieri, SI.com, "Reds-Pirates Brawl Punctuates Exciting Blockbuster Trade," 31 July 2019 The sleeveless design features a discrete V-neckline and an exquisite open back, to marry her love, Louis Ducruet! — Amy Mackelden, Harper's BAZAAR, "Grace Kelly's Grandson Louis Ducruet Gets Married in a Two-Day Monaco Wedding," 28 July 2019 There’s a tendency to see the history of labor relations in the NFL as a series of discrete, big-ticket affairs, like Super Bowls with briefcases: ’74, ’77, ’87, ’93, ’11. — Conor Orr, SI.com, "Fate of the Union: What the NFLPA Can Learn From the Fight of '77," 18 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'discrete.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of discrete

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for discrete

Middle English discrete, discret, discreet — more at discreet

Note: The adjective discrete is etymologically identical with discreet, of which it was originally a simple spelling variant. The consistent discrimination of the two senses by spelling, with discrete corresponding more closely to classical Latin in both form and meaning, dates from the 18th century.

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More Definitions for discrete

discrete

adjective
How to pronounce discrete (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of discrete

formal : separate and different from each other

See the full definition for discrete in the English Language Learners Dictionary

discrete

adjective
dis·​crete | \ di-ˈskrÄ“t How to pronounce discrete (audio) \

Kids Definition of discrete

: separate entry 2 sense 3, distinct The report is divided into discrete sections.

discrete

adjective
dis·​crete | \ dis-ˈkrÄ“t, ˈdis-ËŒ How to pronounce discrete (audio) \

Medical Definition of discrete

: characterized by distinct unconnected lesions discrete smallpox — compare confluent sense 2

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