— distinctness , n.
/di stingkt"/ , adj.
1. distinguished as not being the same; not identical; separate (sometimes fol. by from ): His private and public lives are distinct.
2. different in nature or quality; dissimilar (sometimes fol. by from ): Gold is distinct from iron.
3. clear to the senses or intellect; plain; unmistakable: The ship appeared as a distinct silhouette.
4. distinguishing or perceiving clearly: distinct vision.
5. unquestionably exceptional or notable: a distinct honor.
6. Archaic. distinctively decorated or adorned.
[ 1350-1400; ME distinctus, ptp. of disting ( u ) ere to divide off, pick out, distinguish ( di- DI- 2 + * sting ( u ) ere presumably, to prick, mark by pricking; cf. INSTINCT 1 , INSTIGATE) ]
Syn. 1. individual. See various. 3. well-defined, unconfused.
Ant. 3, 4. indistinct.