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 a discrete probability distribution (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 and electronic 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 quadraphonic, stereo 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.
This word discrete (separable) is not the same as discreet (prudent, private).
