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Continuum vs Perpetual - What's the difference?

continuum | perpetual |

As a noun continuum

is a continuous series or whole, no part of which is noticeably different from its adjacent parts, although the ends or extremes of it are very different from each other.

As an adjective perpetual is

lasting forever, or for an indefinitely long time.

continuum

Noun

(en-noun)
  • A continuous series or whole, no part of which is noticeably different from its adjacent parts, although the ends or extremes of it are very different from each other.
  • A continuous extent.
  • * {{quote-magazine, date=2012-03
  • , author=(Henry Petroski) , title=Opening Doors , volume=100, issue=2, page=112-3 , magazine= citation , passage=A doorknob of whatever roundish shape is effectively a continuum of levers, with the axis of the latching mechanism—known as the spindle—being the fulcrum about which the turning takes place.}}
  • (mathematics) The set of all real numbers and, more generally, a compact connected metric space.
  • (musical instruments) A touch-sensitive strip, similar to an electronic standard musical keyboard, except that the note steps are of a semitone, and so are not separately marked.
  • perpetual

    English

    Alternative forms

    * perpetuall (obsolete)

    Adjective

    (-)
  • Lasting forever, or for an indefinitely long time
  • Set up to be in effect or have tenure for an unlimited duration
  • Continuing uninterrupted
  • Flowering throughout the growing season
  • * By means of artificial hybridization, practised for a series of years, he has succeeded in producing a race of carnations which are perpetual bloomers.
  • * The hybrid perpetual roses as a rule require to be pruned to within 4 to 6 inches of the ground.
  • Derived terms

    * perpetual motion

    References

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