continuum

noun

con·​tin·​u·​um kən-ˈtin-yü-əm 

plural continua kən-ˈtin-yü-ə  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 line

—Wayne 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

This sounds specific enough, but the film’s bleakness belongs on a continuum with any number of works from the past ten or 15 or 20 years. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 3 July 2025

Those continuums often include some combination of local government, businesses, nonprofit service providers like shelters, and even religious organizations. —Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 2 July 2025

Two critical lessons include the importance of integrating them into a larger professional learning strategy and viewing them as part of a continuum of educator career development strategies. Micro-credentials are more than just a resume booster for educators. —Bruno V. Manno, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025

Upfront, Rivas portrays this first-time facial as part of a continuum of at-home treatment. —Mark Holgate, Vogue, 15 June 2025

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

Kids Definition

continuum

noun

con·​tin·​u·​um kən-ˈtin-yə-wəm 

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