ScienceAugust 21, 2026
discretization
DIS-kruh-tih-ZAY-shun
Definition
The process of transforming continuous functions, models, or variables into discrete counterparts, often to make them manageable for computer calculation.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'discretus,' meaning 'separated' or 'distinct,' combined with the suffix '-ization.' It entered scientific and mathematical usage to describe the conversion of continuous systems into discrete numerical components.
In the news
In the context of statistical research methods, the author mentions the researcher seeks to avoid a priori discretization, which implies finding mathematical solutions that do not require breaking down continuous data into smaller, separate chunks.
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