asymptotic

or as·ymp·tot·i·cal

[as-im-tot-ik or as-im-tot-i-kuh l]

adjective Mathematics.

of or relating to an asymptote.

(of a function) approaching a given value as an expression containing a variable tends to infinity.

(of two functions) so defined that their ratio approaches unity as the independent variable approaches a limit or infinity.

(of a formula) becoming increasingly exact as a variable approaches a limit, usually infinity.

coming into consideration as a variable approaches a limit, usually infinity: asymptotic property; asymptotic behavior.

Origin of asymptotic

First recorded in 1665–75; asymptote + -ic

Related formsas·ymp·tot·i·cal·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for asymptotic

asymptotic

asymptotical

adjective

of or referring to an asymptote

(of a function, series, formula, etc) approaching a given value or condition, as a variable or an expression containing a variable approaches a limit, usually infinity

Derived Formsasymptotically, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for asymptotic

adj.

1670s, see asymptote + -ic. Related: Asymptotical; asymptotically.