asymptotic

[ as-im-tot-ik ]

/ ˌæs ɪmˈtɒt ɪk /

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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.

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Also as·ymp·tot·i·cal

[as-im-tot-i-kuhl] /ˌæs ɪmˈtɒt ɪ kəl/ .

Origin of asymptotic

First recorded in 1665–75; asymptote + -ic

OTHER WORDS FROM asymptotic

as·ymp·tot·i·cal·ly, adverb

Words nearby asymptotic

asymmetric time, asymmetric warfare, asymmetry, asymptomatic, asymptote, asymptotic, asymptotic freedom, asynapsis, asynchronism, asynchronous, asynchronous transmission

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use asymptotic in a sentence

Born roughly twice as massive as the sun and lying about 1,300 light-years from Earth, V Hydrae is what’s known as an asymptotic giant branch star.
A new image captures enormous gas rings encircling an aging red star|Ken Croswell|March 8, 2022|Science News
Regular testing of asymptotic people could play a crucial role with this disease because half of those who infect others have no symptoms.
COVID Experts: We’re Putting Out Campfires but the Forest Fire Rages - Facts So Romantic|Robert Bazell|March 17, 2021|Nautilus
That is, the surface of the stream tends to become asymptotic to a horizontal line D0D1.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 14, Slice 1|Various

British Dictionary definitions for asymptotic

asymptotic

asymptotical

/ (ˌæsɪmˈtɒtɪk) /

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 forms of asymptotic

asymptotically, 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