semicontiguous

Semicontiguous is a term used in mathematics, particularly in areas like combinatorics and set theory, to describe a specific type of set or sequence. A set or sequence is considered semicontiguous if it is "almost" contiguous. This means that it contains all but at most one element from a contiguous range. For example, if we consider the set of integers from 1 to 5, which is {1, 2, 3, 4, 5}, a semicontiguous set derived from this range could be {1, 2, 4, 5} (missing 3) or {1, 2, 3, 4} (missing 5). However, a set like {1, 3, 5} would not be semicontiguous because it is missing more than one element from the original contiguous range.

The concept of semicontiguity is useful when analyzing data structures, algorithms, or patterns where minor gaps or missing elements are permissible or expected. It allows for a more relaxed definition than strict contiguity, which can be beneficial in various computational and theoretical contexts. The precise definition might vary slightly depending on the specific mathematical field, but the core idea of being "one element away" from a contiguous block remains consistent. This term is not as widely recognized as "contiguous" itself, but it serves a specific descriptive purpose in certain specialized applications.