nonintegral

Nonintegral refers to a characteristic or property that is not whole or complete. In mathematics, a nonintegral number is a number that is not an integer. This means it has a fractional or decimal part. For example, 3.5 is a nonintegral number, while 4 is an integer. The term can also be applied to concepts outside of pure mathematics, suggesting something that is lacking a component or is not fully formed.

In a broader context, nonintegral can describe a situation or entity that is incomplete or not fully integrated. For instance, a nonintegral part of a system might be something that exists but does not fully connect or function with the rest of the system. This could imply a lack of unity, coherence, or completeness. The opposite of nonintegral would be integral, signifying something whole, essential, or forming a necessary part of a larger whole. The concept emphasizes the presence or absence of wholeness and essential connection.