In numerical analysis this refers to a computational grid in or on which separate dependent variables are represented on alternate or staggered grid points. For example, a 1-D equation set for pressure and velocity would be solved on a grid where the pressure is represented at points n, n+2, n+4, etc. while the velocity is represented at n+1, n+3, n+5, etc. This procedure can confer numerical advantages and is also used for problems with more than one spatial dimension.