discontinuity
noun
dis·con·ti·nu·ity
(ˌ)dis-ˌkän-tə-ˈnü-ə-tē 
-ˈnyü-
1
: lack of continuity or cohesion
2
3
a
: the property of being not mathematically continuous
a point of discontinuity
b
: an instance of being not mathematically continuous
especially
: a value of an independent variable at which a function is not continuous
Examples of discontinuity in a Sentence
There is a sense of discontinuity between the book's chapters.
microscopic discontinuities in the connecting wires
Recent Examples on the Web
While her book is at times fragmentary and episodic, marked by abrupt discontinuities, the cumulative effect is powerful, eloquently testifying to the horrific consequences of this conflict.
—
Rebecca Donner, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2025
This border or discontinuity is an average of 3–6 miles beneath the ocean floor and 10–60 miles beneath the continents.
—Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 29 Nov. 2024
While her book is at times fragmentary and episodic, marked by abrupt discontinuities, the cumulative effect is powerful, eloquently testifying to the horrific consequences of this conflict.
—Rebecca Donner, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2025
This border or discontinuity is an average of 3–6 miles beneath the ocean floor and 10–60 miles beneath the continents.
—Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 29 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for discontinuity
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Rebecca Donner, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2025
This border or discontinuity is an average of 3–6 miles beneath the ocean floor and 10–60 miles beneath the continents.
—Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 29 Nov. 2024
While her book is at times fragmentary and episodic, marked by abrupt discontinuities, the cumulative effect is powerful, eloquently testifying to the horrific consequences of this conflict.
—Rebecca Donner, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2025
This border or discontinuity is an average of 3–6 miles beneath the ocean floor and 10–60 miles beneath the continents.
—Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 29 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for discontinuity
Cite this Entry
“Discontinuity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discontinuity. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share