1
: constituting a separate entity : individually distinct
several discrete sections
2
a
: consisting of distinct or unconnected elements : noncontinuous
discretely
adverb
discreteness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of discrete in a Sentence
The idea is to disconnect the memory from the reactions to the memory, so that although the memory of the traumatic event remains, the everyday things that can trigger fear and panic, such as trash blowing across the interstate or a car backfiring … are restored to insignificance. The trauma thus becomes a discrete event, not a constant, self-replicating, encompassing condition.
—
Sue Halpern, New Yorker, 19 May 2008
Eliminating stress entirely is not an option. If there are discrete sources of stress in your life—a relationship, a job, a health problem—you can and should take action to try to mitigate them. But my experience is that we all are subject to a kind of conservation law of stress. If stress recedes in one area, it seems to increase in another.
—Time, 17 Oct. 2005
The newer, digital phones broadcast their communications in discrete bursts of energy, whereas analog devices employ continuous signals.
—Janet Raloff, Science News, 12 Feb. 2000
several discrete sections to this vast medical complex, including a college of pharmacology and a research center
Sue Halpern, New Yorker, 19 May 2008
Eliminating stress entirely is not an option. If there are discrete sources of stress in your life—a relationship, a job, a health problem—you can and should take action to try to mitigate them. But my experience is that we all are subject to a kind of conservation law of stress. If stress recedes in one area, it seems to increase in another.
—Time, 17 Oct. 2005
The newer, digital phones broadcast their communications in discrete bursts of energy, whereas analog devices employ continuous signals.
—Janet Raloff, Science News, 12 Feb. 2000
several discrete sections to this vast medical complex, including a college of pharmacology and a research center
Recent Examples on the Web
The effective tax rate increased due to discrete items including RSU and PSU shortfalls.
—Quartz Bot, Quartz, 12 Nov. 2024
Hulst estimates that 80% of their day-to-day time is spent managing their discrete areas.
—Jennifer Maas, Variety, 31 Oct. 2024
These were conventional doctors and endocrinologists, who, in my experience, are hardwired to believe your body’s systems are discrete and absolute, rather than parts of an interwoven whole.
—Melissa Kenny, refinery29.com, 30 Oct. 2024
This backpack has a long list of features that sets it over the top, from its many storage compartments and discrete pockets to its dual clamshell opening to its external compression straps to its cushioned air-flow back panel and padded straps.
—Sarah Boyd, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for discrete 
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Quartz Bot, Quartz, 12 Nov. 2024
Hulst estimates that 80% of their day-to-day time is spent managing their discrete areas.
—Jennifer Maas, Variety, 31 Oct. 2024
These were conventional doctors and endocrinologists, who, in my experience, are hardwired to believe your body’s systems are discrete and absolute, rather than parts of an interwoven whole.
—Melissa Kenny, refinery29.com, 30 Oct. 2024
This backpack has a long list of features that sets it over the top, from its many storage compartments and discrete pockets to its dual clamshell opening to its external compression straps to its cushioned air-flow back panel and padded straps.
—Sarah Boyd, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for discrete
Dictionary Entries Near discrete
Cite this Entry
“Discrete.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discrete. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
discrete
adjective
dis·crete
dis-ˈkrēt 
ˈdis-ˌkrēt
: distinct sense 1, separate
several discrete sections
discretely
adverb
discreteness
noun
Medical Definition
discrete
adjective
dis·crete
dis-ˈkrēt, ˈdis-ˌ
: characterized by distinct unconnected lesions
discrete smallpox
compare confluent sense 2
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