continuum

noun

con·​tin·​u·​um kən-ˈtin-yü-əm How to pronounce continuum (audio)
plural continua kən-ˈtin-yü-ə How to pronounce continuum (audio) also continuums
1
: a coherent whole characterized as a collection, sequence, or progression of values or elements varying by minute degrees
"good" and "bad" … stand at opposite ends of a continuum instead of describing the two halves of a lineWayne Shumaker
2
: the set of real numbers including both the rationals and the irrationals
broadly : a compact set which cannot be separated into two sets neither of which contains a limit point of the other

Examples of continuum in a Sentence

His motives for volunteering lie somewhere on the continuum between charitable and self-serving. a continuum of temperatures ranging from very cold to very hot
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
One way of classifying AI techniques is on a continuum of how these techniques are designed and operate. Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 12 Oct. 2024 These cells can also be operated in analog mode, taking advantage of a continuum of electrical resistance. IEEE Spectrum, 25 May 2017 The film returns us to a childlike gaze, marveling at a world alive with possibility, where every sight lives on a continuum of meaning. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2024 But, for me, part of that continuum of getting that high energy part of him. Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for continuum 

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin, noun derivative from neuter of Latin continuus continuous

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of continuum was in 1646

Dictionary Entries Near continuum

Cite this Entry

“Continuum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/continuum. Accessed 10 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

continuum

noun
con·​tin·​u·​um kən-ˈtin-yə-wəm How to pronounce continuum (audio)
plural continuua
-yə-wə
also continuums
: something that is continuous and the same throughout and that is often thought of as a series of elements or values which differ by only tiny amounts
"light" and "dark" stand at opposite ends of a continuum

More from Merriam-Webster on continuum

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!