First Known Use: 1673
Dictionary
continuous
adjective con·tin·u·ous \kən-ˈtin-yü-əs\
: continuing without stopping : happening or existing without a break or interruption
Full Definition of CONTINUOUS
1
: marked by uninterrupted extension in space, time, or sequence
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
— con·tin·u·ous·ly adverb
— con·tin·u·ous·ness noun
See continuous defined for English-language learners
See continuous defined for kids
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Origin of CONTINUOUS
Latin continuus, from continēre to hold together — more at contain
Related to CONTINUOUS
- Synonyms
- ceaseless, continual, continued, continuing, incessant, nonstop, perpetual, running, unbroken, unceasing, uninterrupted, unremitting
- Antonyms
- discontinuous, noncontinuous
Synonym Discussion of 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>.
CONTINUOUSNESS Defined for Kids
continuous
adjective con·tin·u·ous \kən-ˈtin-yə-wəs\
Definition of CONTINUOUS for Kids
: going on without stop <a continuous line of traffic>
— con·tin·u·ous·ly adverb
Medical Dictionary
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>
—con·tin·u·ous·ly adverb
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