piecewise
piecewise Lexical Profile
piecewise Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Defined by or consisting of multiple sub-functions or distinct segments, each applying to a specific interval of the main domain (especially in mathematics and engineering).
"In calculus class, the students learned how to graph a piecewise function that had three different formulas depending on the value of x."
Done, assembled, or occurring in separate pieces or stages rather than as a single whole.
"The software team adopted a piecewise approach to migrating the legacy database so they would not disrupt daily operations."
• adverb
With respect to a number of discrete intervals, segments, or pieces (frequently used in mathematics to modify adjectives such as 'linear', 'smooth', or 'continuous').
"Because the boundary of the polygon is piecewise smooth, we can apply Green's theorem by integrating along each side separately."
Piece by piece; one part or stage at a time.
"The historic bridge was dismantled piecewise and rebuilt in a safer location downstream."
Word Nuance & Usage
While 'piecemeal' is used in everyday language to describe something done gradually or haphazardly over time, 'piecewise' is primarily reserved for mathematics and engineering to describe functions or processes defined over distinct intervals.
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the late 16th century from the noun 'piece' (from Old French 'piece', of Gaulish origin) combined with the Old English suffix '-wise', meaning 'way' or 'manner'.