continuous

adjective

con·tin·u·ous | \ kən-ˈtin-yü-əs

Definition of continuous

1 : marked by uninterrupted extension in space, time, or sequence The batteries provide enough power for up to five hours of continuous use.

2 of a function : having the property that the absolute value of the numerical difference between the value at a given point and the value at any point in a neighborhood of the given point can be made as close to zero as desired by choosing the neighborhood small enough

Other Words from continuous Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about continuous

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Choose the Right Synonym for continuous

continual, continuous, constant, incessant, perpetual, perennial mean characterized by continued occurrence or recurrence. continual often implies a close prolonged succession or recurrence. continual showers the whole weekend continuous usually implies an uninterrupted flow or spatial extension. football's oldest continuous rivalry constant implies uniform or persistent occurrence or recurrence. lived in constant pain incessant implies ceaseless or uninterrupted activity. annoyed by the incessant quarreling perpetual suggests unfailing repetition or lasting duration. a land of perpetual snowfall perennial implies enduring existence often through constant renewal. a perennial source of controversy

Examples of continuous in a Sentence

The album is divided into different tracks, but it is really one continuous song. a continuous line of traffic The batteries provide enough power for up to five hours of continuous use. The phrases “am seeing,” “had been seeing,” and “is being seen” are all in continuous tenses.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Swiss Guard became the security for Pope Julius II in 1506 and has been in continuous operation since then. — al, "Swiss Guard, ex-security for Pope Francis, visits Alabama," 9 Aug. 2019 The neighboring Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility has been in continuous operation since 1871, before Colorado became a state. — Sarah Kuta, The Know, "As the Royal Gorge turns 90, now is the time to visit Cañon City," 27 July 2019 Ford’s oldest plant in continuous operation is now churning out the new 2020 Ford Explorer, Lincoln Aviator and Police Interceptor SUVs. — Robert Channick, chicagotribune.com, "Ford making another investment in Chicago assembly plant, hiring 450 more workers," 22 July 2019 Acequias are mutually managed, irrigation channels that have been in continuous operation in the arid American Southwest since before the formation of the United States. — Robert Neuwirth, National Geographic, "Centuries-old irrigation system shows how to manage scarce water," 17 May 2019 Overlooking Elliott Bay, the public farmers’ market has been in continuous operation since 1907, offering fresh fish, produce, flowers and artisanal products. — Jennifer Franklin, USA TODAY, "See the coast, cities and mountain peaks on this trip of a lifetime to the Canadian Rockies," 9 July 2018 The Autopilot system was engaged on four separate occasions during the 32-minute trip, including a continuous operation for the last 18 minutes 55 seconds prior to the crash. — Avery Thompson, Popular Mechanics, "NTSB: Tesla's Autopilot Steered Into Barrier in Fatal Crash," 7 June 2018 According to the Pike and San Isabel National Forests’ website, the Devil’s Head Lookout Tower is the last of the four original Front Range Fire Lookout towers still in continuous use and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. — Kaitlyn Bancroft, The Denver Post, "He spotted over 200 wildfires while at the Front Range’s last fire lookout. Now he’s retiring.," 25 June 2019 The migrant families' arrival and continuous presence outside the DeConcini crossing has prompted aid agencies in Mexico to step in. — Rafael Carranza, azcentral, "Migrant advocates worry border situation may create 'perfect storm' for abuse," 25 May 2018

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

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More Definitions for continuous

continuous

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of continuous

: continuing without stopping : happening or existing without a break or interruption

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

continuous

adjective

con·tin·u·ous | \ kən-ˈtin-yə-wəs

Kids Definition of continuous

: going on without stop a continuous line of traffic

continuous

adjective

con·tin·u·ous | \ kən-ˈtin-yə-wəs

Medical Definition of continuous

: marked by uninterrupted extension in space, time, or sequence : continuing without intermission or recurring regularly after minute interruptions continuous vitamin injections

continuous

Definition of continuous

Other Words from continuous

Synonyms & Antonyms for continuous

Choose the Right Synonym for continuous

Examples of continuous in a Sentence

First Known Use of continuous

History and Etymology for continuous

English Language Learners Definition of continuous

Kids Definition of continuous

Medical Definition of continuous

continuous

Definition of continuous

Other Words from continuous

Synonyms & Antonyms for continuous

Choose the Right Synonym for continuous

Examples of continuous in a Sentence

First Known Use of continuous

History and Etymology for continuous

English Language Learners Definition of continuous

Kids Definition of continuous

Medical Definition of continuous

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