discontinuity

[ dis-kon-tn-oo-i-tee, -yoo- ]

noun

, plural dis·con·ti·nu·i·ties.

1. lack of continuity; irregularity:

   The plot of the book was marred by discontinuity.

2. a break or gap:

   The surface of the moon is characterized by major discontinuities.

3. Mathematics. a point at which a function is not continuous.
4. Geology. a zone deep within the earth where the velocity of earthquake waves changes radically.

discontinuity

/ dɪsˌkɒntɪˈnjuːɪtɪ /

noun

1. lack of rational connection or cohesion
2. a break or interruption
3. maths
   1. the property of being discontinuous
   2. the point or the value of the variable at which a curve or function becomes discontinuous
4. geology
   1. a zone within the earth where a sudden change in physical properties, such as the velocity of earthquake waves, occurs. Such a zone marks the boundary between the different layers of the earth, as between the core and mantle See also Mohorovičić discontinuity
   2. a surface separating rocks that are not continuous with each other

discontinuity

/ dĭs-kŏn′tə-no̅o̅′ĭ-tē /

1. A usually uneven surface between two layers of rock or sediment that represents either an interruption in the deposition of the layers, as in an unconformity, or a displacement of one or both layers relative to each other, as in a fault.
2. A surface within the Earth across which the velocities of seismic waves change. The discontinuities are located at the boundaries between the Earth's various layers and correspond to changes in the elastic properties of the Earth's materials.

Word History and Origins

Origin of discontinuity¹

From the Medieval Latin word discontinuitās, dating back to 1560–70. See discontinuous, -ity

Example Sentences

Relocating downtown L.A.’s official weather observation site could cause a discontinuity in the local climate record, some experts say.

From Los Angeles Times

“I mean, the lion bit on McCarthy, so I don’t think it’s wise to have too many of those discontinuities.”

From Washington Times

The National Transportation Safety Board said that investigators also found a “discontinuity” in the wiring of an alternate system for lowering the landing gear.

From Seattle Times

Many Americans, especially white Americans, have a habit of seeing discontinuity over continuity when it comes to race and racism.

From Salon

Instead, he characterizes what actually happened as “discontinuity.”

From New York Times