continuum
continuum Lexical Profile
continuum Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A continuous sequence in which adjacent elements are not perceptibly different from each other, although the extremes are quite distinct.
"Human political beliefs exist along a complex continuum rather than falling neatly into two opposing camps."
A continuous, infinite set of points or real numbers, or an unbroken four-dimensional expanse of space and time in physics and mathematics.
"Einstein's general theory of relativity describes gravity as a geometric property of the four-dimensional spacetime continuum."
Word Nuance & Usage
Both the Latin plural 'continua' and the regularized English plural 'continuums' are acceptable, though 'continua' is preferred in mathematics and physics.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the mid-17th century from Latin 'continuum', the neuter singular noun use of the adjective 'continuus' ('uninterrupted, connected'), from 'continere' ('to hold together').
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.