infinity

American  

[in-fin-i-tee] / ɪnˈfɪn ɪ ti /

noun

plural

infinities

1. the quality or state of being infinite.

2. something that is infinite.

3. infinite space, time, or quantity.

4. an infinite extent, amount, or number.

5. an indefinitely great amount or number.

6. Mathematics.

   1. the assumed limit of a sequence, series, etc., that increases without bound.

   2. infinite distance or an infinitely distant part of space.

7. Photography.

   1. a distance between a subject and the camera so great that rays of light reflected from the subject may be regarded as parallel.

   2. a distance setting of the camera lens beyond which everything is in focus.

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infinity British  

/ ɪnˈfɪnɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being infinite

2. endless time, space, or quantity

3. an infinitely or indefinitely great number or amount

4. optics photog a point that is far enough away from a lens, mirror, etc, for the light emitted by it to fall in parallel rays on the surface of the lens, etc

5. physics a dimension or quantity of sufficient size to be unaffected by finite variations

6. maths the concept of a value greater than any finite numerical value

7. a distant ideal point at which two parallel lines are assumed to meet

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infinity Scientific  

/ ĭn-fĭn′ĭ-tē /

1. A space, extent of time, or quantity that has no limit.

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Usage

What is the infinity symbol? The infinity symbol, a figure eight on its side ∞, variously signifies the concept of limitlessness or eternity, especially as used notationally in mathematics and metaphorically with respect to love.

Etymology

Origin of infinity

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English infinite, from Latin infīnitās, from in- in- ³ + fīni(s) “boundary, end, highest point” ( finish ) + -tās -ty ²

Example Sentences

I’m talking chocolate-covered strawberries delivered to our suite, infinity pools overlooking the ocean, and squishy bathrobes that felt like clouds.

From Literature

I hardly ever read or even think about Poe anymore, but I suppose those stories first directed my mind’s eye toward infinity.

From The Wall Street Journal

Extending their arms in a v-formation at their side, they would race down the street on weekend afternoons imagining the freedom of the airplanes soaring across the blue infinity of their Huntington Park neighborhood.

From Los Angeles Times

Short selling in GameStop infamously outnumbered the total number of shares available for trading, so brokers would have needed to rush to the market and “bid it up to infinity,” Peterffy says.

From Barron's

“Expansive terraces, meditation gardens, and hidden courtyards evoke a world-class resort ambiance, while infinity pools and a private boathouse complete its coastal allure,” the description noted.

From MarketWatch