intermittent

Everyday

Stopping and starting again and again; not continuous. tree →

In the lessons

In weather forecasts (intermittent rain), science, and everyday life (an intermittent fault). Phrases: intermittent rain, intermittent showers, intermittent signal.

Examples

• The forecast is for intermittent rain. tree →
• We had an intermittent Wi-Fi signal in the caravan. tree →
• There was an intermittent beeping from the smoke alarm, so we changed the battery. tree →
• Intermittent showers stopped the cricket match several times. tree →
• His cough was intermittent. tree →
• The streetlight has an intermittent fault. tree →

Note

Adverb: intermittently. Opposite: continuous, constant. Smoke alarm beeping every so often usually means the battery is low.