dis·tinct / disˈtingkt/ • adj. 1. recognizably different in nature from something else of a similar type: the patterns of spoken language are distinct from those of writing | there are two distinct types of sickle cell disease. ∎  physically separate: the gallery is divided into five distinct spaces.2. readily distinguishable by the senses: a distinct smell of nicotine. ∎  (used for emphasis) so clearly apparent as to be unmistakable; definite: he got the distinct impression that Melissa wasn't pleased.DERIVATIVES: dis·tinct·ly adv.dis·tinct·ness n.

distinct XIV. — L. distinctus, pp. of distinguere DISTINGUISH.
So distinction †division, class XIII; discrimination XIV; distinguishing excellence XVII. — (O)F. — L. distinctive XV. f. distinct-, pp. stem of L. distinguere.