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

Each dimension reflects a continuum of traits, influencing a wide range of behaviors, including our ability to remain healthy and take care of ourselves. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024

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, 28 Oct. 2024

There’s a pleasing cycle-of-life continuum in the way that repaired bond frees the grandmother to let go. —David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Oct. 2024

One way of classifying AI techniques is on a continuum of how these techniques are designed and operate. —Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 12 Oct. 2024

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