DISTINCT

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does distinct mean? 

• DISTINCT (adjective)
  The adjective DISTINCT has 5 senses:

1. (often followed by 'from') not alike; different in nature or quality

2. easy to perceive; especially clearly outlined

3. constituting a separate entity or part

4. recognizable; marked

5. clearly or sharply defined to the mind

  Familiarity information: DISTINCT used as an adjective is common.

 Dictionary entry details 

• DISTINCT (adjective)

Comparative: distincter   
Superlative: distinctest   

Sense 1

Meaning:

(often followed by 'from') not alike; different in nature or quality

Synonyms:

distinct; distinguishable

Context example:

management had interests quite distinct from those of their employees

Similar:

different (unlike in nature or quality or form or degree)

Derivation:

distinctness (the quality of being not alike; being distinct or different from that otherwise experienced or known)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Easy to perceive; especially clearly outlined

Context example:

distinct fingerprints

Similar:

chiseled; well-defined (having a clean and distinct outline as if precisely cut along the edges)

clean-cut; clear; clear-cut (clear and distinct to the senses; easily perceptible)

crisp; sharp ((of something seen or heard) clearly defined)

crystalline (distinctly or sharply outlined)

defined; outlined (showing clearly the outline or profile or boundary)

knifelike (having a sharp or distinct edge)

razor-sharp (very clearly delineated)

Also:

clear (readily apparent to the mind)

definite (precise; explicit and clearly defined)

precise (sharply exact or accurate or delimited)

Antonym:

indistinct (not clearly defined or easy to perceive or understand)

Derivation:

distinctness (the quality of being sharp and clear)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Constituting a separate entity or part

Synonyms:

discrete; distinct

Context example:

on two distinct occasions

Similar:

separate (independent; not united or joint)

Derivation:

distinctness (the state of being several and distinct)

Sense 4

Meaning:

Recognizable; marked

Synonyms:

decided; distinct

Context example:

at a distinct (or decided) disadvantage

Similar:

definite (precise; explicit and clearly defined)

Derivation:

distinctness (the quality of being sharp and clear)

Sense 5

Meaning:

Clearly or sharply defined to the mind

Synonyms:

clear-cut; distinct; trenchant

Context example:

trenchant distinctions between right and wrong

Similar:

clear (readily apparent to the mind)

Derivation:

distinctness (the quality of being sharp and clear)

 Context examples 

Fundamentally distinct from antibodies, aptamers mimic their properties and have emerged as a promising class of molecules in both therapeutic and diagnostic formats.

(Aptamer, NCI Thesaurus)

A characteristic to be considered; a distinct feature or element.

(Aspect, NCI Thesaurus)

A cell that is antigenically distinct from other lymphocytes.

(Allogeneic Lymphocyte, NCI Thesaurus)

DNA-binding by AIF occurs through a distinct domain of the protein in a manner that does not rely on specific DNA sequences.

(AIF Pathway, NCI Thesaurus/BIOCARTA)

NASA and an international team of planetary scientists have found evidence in meteorites on Earth that indicates Mars has a distinct and global reservoir of water or ice near its surface.

(New Evidence for a Mars Water Reservoir, NASA)

Tumors with glandular components but distinct from any other adenocarcinoma.

(Adenocarcinoma NOS of the Mouse Pulmonary System, NCI Thesaurus/MMHCC)

The P wave morphology must be distinct from the sinus P wave morphology.

(Atrial Tachycardia, NCI Thesaurus/CDISC)

Six distinct secretion systems have been shown to mediate protein export through the inner and outer membranes of Gram-negative bacteria.

(Bacterial Secretion System Pathway, NCI Thesaurus/KEGG)

There are seven serotypes of botulinum with distinct toxins.

(Botulin Pathway, NCI Thesaurus/BIOCARTA)

It is a distinct clinicopathological entity and arises from the skin or the mucocutaneous junction.

(Bowen Disease of the Skin, NCI Thesaurus)