Discrete movement. See Concrete movement of the voice, under Concrete, a. -- Discrete proportion, proportion where the ratio of the means is different from that of either couplet; as, 3:6::8:16, 3 bearing the same proportion to 6 as 8 does to 16. But 3 is not to 6 as 6 to 8. It is thus opposed to continued or continual proportion; as, 3:6::12:24. -- Discrete quantity, that which must be divided into units, as number, and is opposed to continued quantity, as duration, or extension.
Dis*crete", v. t. To separate. [Obs.] Sir T. Browne.
Dis*crete"ly, adv. Separately; disjunctively.
Dis*cre"tion (?), n. [F. discrétion, L. discretio separation, difference, discernment, fr. discernere, discretum. See Discreet, Discern.] 1. Disjunction; separation. [Obs.] Mede.
2. The quality of being discreet; wise conduct and management; cautious discernment, especially as to matters of propriety and self-control; prudence; circumspection; wariness.
The better part of valor is discretion.
Shak.
The greatest parts without discretion may be fatal to their owner.
Hume.