From Encyclopedia Jr, free information reference for Kids
The word discrete comes from the 15th Century Latin word discretus which means separate. It is used with different meanings in different contexts:
- In perception, a discrete entity is something that can be perceived individually and not as connected to, or part of something else.
- In topology, a branch of mathematics, a discrete space is a topological space in which all sets are open, and a discrete set is a set of isolated points.
- In discrete mathematics, without notion of continuity, a discrete set is a countable set; this concept is also important for combinatorics, probability theory, and statistical theory.
- In statistics a discrete random variable defines a particular type of variable (in contrast to a continuous random variable).
- In discrete mathematics and in theoretical computer science, the abstract world is usually modeled as a discrete space with discrete time.
- In electrical engineering, discrete means having separate electronic components, such as individual resistors and inductors. This is the opposite of integrated circuitry.
- In audio engineering, discrete means having separate and independent channels of audio, as opposed to matrixed stereo or quadrophonic, or other multi-channel sound.
- A discrete signal in information theory and signal processing
- In music, a discrete pitch is one with a steady frequency, rather than an indiscrete gliding, glissando or portamento, pitch.
- In project management, discrete effort is any activity with a pre-defined state of completion; the opposite of discrete effort is continuous, operational or ongoing effort.
Discrete is not the same thing as discreet.
