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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use asymptotic in a sentence

These findings would fit with the possibility that people who wear masks are more likely to experience asymptotic infections that cause them to produce antibodies without becoming sick.
That new study saying masks might not be effective? It has a few caveats.|Kate Baggaley|November 20, 2020|Popular-Science
The difference of the temperatures only tends asymptotically toward zero.
The Foundations of Science: Science and Hypothesis, The Value of Science, Science and Method|Henri Poincar
B and I drag out dressing for thirty minutes; then we just sit while Time crawls asymptotically towards the hour.
The Lost Kafoozalum|Pauline Ashwell
The theory is not a thing complete from the first, but a thing which grows, as it were asymptotically, towards certainty.
Fragments of science, V. 1-2|John Tyndall

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