asymptote

[ as-im-toht ]

noun

, Mathematics.

1. a straight line approached by a given curve as one of the variables in the equation of the curve approaches infinity.

asymptote

/ ˈæsɪmˌtəʊt /

noun

1. a straight line that is closely approached by a plane curve so that the perpendicular distance between them decreases to zero as the distance from the origin increases to infinity

asymptote

/ ăs′ĭm-tōt′ /

1. A line whose distance to a given curve tends to zero. An asymptote may or may not intersect its associated curve.

Word History and Origins

Origin of asymptote¹

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)

Word History and Origins

Origin of asymptote¹

C17: from Greek asumptōtos not falling together, from a- ¹+ syn- + ptōtos inclined to fall, from piptein to fall

Example Sentences

Even so there are asymptote figures in geometry where an infinite length makes only a finite progress in breadth.

From Project Gutenberg

If these factors are all real and distinct, there is an asymptote corresponding to each factor.

From Project Gutenberg

But after you have demonstrated to him the properties of the hyperbola and its asymptote, the apparent absurdity vanishes.

From Project Gutenberg

Asymptote, a line always approaching some curve but never meeting it.

From Project Gutenberg

The curve is symmetrical about the axis of y and has the axis of x for its asymptote.

From Project Gutenberg