Discrete vs Diffuse - What's the difference?
discrete | diffuse |
Separate; distinct; individual; non-continuous.
That can be perceived individually and not as connected to, or part of something else.
(electrical engineering) Having separate electronic components, such as individual resistors and inductors — the opposite of integrated circuitry.
(audio engineering) Having separate and independent channels of audio, as opposed to multiplexed stereo or quadraphonic, or other multi-channel sound.
(topology) Having each singleton subset open: said of a topological space or a topology.
disjunctive; containing a disjunctive or discretive clause
To spread over or through as in air, water, or other matter, especially by fluid motion or passive means.
* Whewell
To be spread over or through as in air, water, or other matter, especially by fluid motion or passive means.
Everywhere or throughout everything; not focused or concentrated.
As adjectives the difference between discrete and diffuse
is that discrete is separate; distinct; individual; non-continuous while diffuse is everywhere or throughout everything; not focused or concentrated.As a verb diffuse is
to spread over or through as in air, water, or other matter, especially by fluid motion or passive means.discrete
English
Adjective
(en adjective)- "I resign my life, but not my honour" is a discrete proposition.
Usage notes
* Often confused with discreet.Derived terms
* discrete variable * discretenessAntonyms
* continuous * (electrical engineering) integrated * (audio engineering) multiplexedAnagrams
* ----diffuse
English
Etymology 1
(etyl), from (etyl) diffusus, past participle ofVerb
(diffus)- We find this knowledge diffused among all civilized nations.
- Food coloring diffuses in water.
- The riot diffused quite suddenly.
Derived terms
* diffuserEtymology 2
(etyl) diffususAdjective
(en adjective)- Such a diffuse effort is unlikely to produce good results.
