ideal point

American  

noun

Mathematics.

1. the point at infinity in projective geometry at which parallel lines intersect.

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Etymology

Origin of ideal point

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

Conventional wisdom has it that May is the ideal point to take profit on equities and lay low until later in the year.

From Reuters • May 5, 2023

The part in which characters play Tristan and Isolde doesn’t quite land, for instance: A relationship built on a mythical love potion isn’t an ideal point of comparison for a modern couple.

From New York Times • Feb. 27, 2023

This new collection, which ranges from post-World War I Germany to the New Jersey Pine Barrens, serves as an ideal point of entry to that world.

From Washington Post • Oct. 29, 2019

All this makes it difficult to pick the ideal point at which to hop on the USS Planet Express Ship.

From Slate • Oct. 16, 2019

Definition.—This ideal point is called the point at infinity in the line.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 6 "Geodesy" to "Geometry" by Various