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

According to Sanford, this finding suggests that rational thought exists along a continuum rather than being uniquely human. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2025

The three artists will explore how art and activism show up now in the intersection and continuum of their work and communities. —Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 26 Oct. 2025

There's a continuum about it that's just absolutely beautiful. —Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025

Precisely for this reason, what is particularly important is the undertone of the brown lipstick, which can be pinkish or orange to create a continuum with the complexion, avoiding creating disharmonious contrasts. —Beatrice Zocchi, Vogue, 26 Sep. 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