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The word discrete comes from the latin word discretus which
means separate. It is used with different meanings in different contexts:
- In perception a discrete entity is something that can be perceived
individually and not as connected to, or part of something else.
- In mathematics a discrete set is a
countable or countably infinite, with a cardinality less than or
equal to (See Aleph). (Including integers.) Mathematical study of discrete sets is the
area of inquiry for discrete mathematics, but also
important for combinatorics, probability theory and statistical
theory.
- In mathematics, a discrete space is a topological space in which all sets are open.
- In electrical engineering, discrete means having
separate electronic components, such as individual resistors and inductors — the opposite of integrated circuitry.
- In audio engineering, discrete means having separate and
independent channels of audio, as opposed to
matrixed stereo
or quadrophonic, or other multi-channel sound.
- In reference to signals, dynamic systems, or control theory,
discrete often means the same thing as digital.
Discrete is not the same thing as discreet.
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