asymptote
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of asymptote
1650–60; < Greek asýmptōtos, equivalent to a- a- 6 + sýmptōtos falling together ( sym- sym- + ptōtós falling, derivative of ptō-, variant stem of píptein to fall + -tos verbid suffix)
Explanation
In geometry, an asymptote of a curve is a straight line that gets closer and closer but never touches the curve. An asymptote is sometimes called a tangent. This is a term you're most likely to come across in math class. An asymptote is a straight line, but specifically one that approaches or nears a curve but never meets it. The noun asymptote has been a geometry term since the 1600's, and it comes from the Greek root asymptotos, or "not falling together," which combines a, "not," syn, "with," and ptotos, "fallen."
Vocabulary lists containing asymptote
The ACT Math Test: Functions
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Functions - High School
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Functions (Advanced)
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Notice the horizontal asymptote is This means the concentration, the ratio of pounds of sugar to gallons of water, will approach 0.1 in the long term.
From Textbooks ● Dec. 1, 2021
What is the equation of the vertical asymptote?
From Textbooks ● Sep. 23, 2020
Figure 4.40 The function approaches the asymptote y = 2 as x approaches ±∞.
From Textbooks ● Mar. 30, 2016
The line x = a is called a vertical asymptote of the graph.
From Textbooks ● Mar. 30, 2016
To-day is but the asymptote of to-morrow, that curve perpetually drawing near, but never reaching the straight line flying into infinity.
From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 18, No. 107, September, 1866 by Various
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