Definition of "discrete" in English

adjective

1. Separate; distinct; individual; non-continuous.

   • a government with three discrete divisions

2. That can be perceived individually, not as connected to, or part of, something else.

3. (mathematics) Consisting of or permitting only distinct values drawn from a finite, countable set.

   • a discrete sum

4. (electrical engineering) Having separate electronic components, such as individual diodes, transistors and resistors, as opposed to integrated circuitry.

5. (audio engineering) Having separate and independent channels of audio, as opposed to multiplexed stereo or quadraphonic, or other multi-channel sound.

6. (topology) Having each singleton subset open: said of a topological space or a topology.

7. Disjunctive; containing a disjunctive or discretive clause.

   • "I resign my life, but not my honour" is a discrete proposition.

adjective

1. Obsolete form of discreet.