Intermittence

Intermittence refers to the quality or state of something occurring at irregular intervals; not continuous or steady. It describes a pattern characterized by interruptions, pauses, or breaks within an otherwise continuous process or event. This fluctuation, whether in time, intensity, or occurrence, signifies a lack of consistency and predictability. It's a descriptive term often applied to phenomena exhibiting periods of activity followed by periods of inactivity or diminished activity, leading to an on-again, off-again nature. The intervals between occurrences might be regular or random, and the length of these intervals also varies significantly, yet the defining characteristic remains the sporadic, non-continuous nature. Understanding intermittence is vital for interpreting the behavior of dynamic systems.

Intermittence meaning with examples

• The old radio's reception displayed intermittence, fading in and out unexpectedly, leaving listeners constantly adjusting the dial to regain a clear signal. The frustrating intermittence made it difficult to enjoy the broadcast fully, as key parts of the story were missed, driving him crazy when waiting for the score to a favorite game.
• Due to severe weather, the power supply experienced intermittence, causing several blackouts throughout the night. The disruption caused inconvenience and safety concerns for people who rely on electricity, such as keeping medications cold and the ability to keep warm and safe during inclement weather.
• The rainfall was characterized by intermittence, with bursts of heavy showers interspersed with periods of sunshine. The changing weather pattern made outdoor activities difficult to plan, as the threat of a sudden downpour always loomed. She waited for the intermittent rain to subside.
• The patient's symptoms showed intermittence; headaches would come and go, with periods of relief in between. The unpredictable nature of the illness challenged the doctors’ diagnosis. They sought to find a cause and a cure for the patient's suffering.
• The internet connection displayed intermittence, dropping suddenly every few minutes, disrupting online meetings and streaming video. This affected his work schedule, and he could not work from home as he had planned. He had to go to his office to keep his job.