[dis.tinct] adj [ME, fr. MF, fr. L distinctus, fr. pp. of distinguere] (14c) 1: distinguishable to the eye or mind as discrete: separate "a ~ cultural group" "teaching as ~ from research"
2: presenting a clear unmistakable impression "a neat ~ handwriting" 3 archaic: notably decorated
4. a: notable "a ~ contribution to scholarship" b: readily and unmistakably apprehended "a ~ possibility of snow" "a ~ British accent" -- dis.tinct.ly adv -- dis.tinct.ness n syn distinct, separate, discrete mean not being each and every one the same. distinct indicates that something is distinguished by the mind or eye as being apart or different from others "two distinct versions". separate often stresses lack of connection or a difference in identity between two things "separate rooms". discrete strongly emphasizes individuality and lack of connection "broke the job down into discrete stages". syn see in addition evident