infinity

[in-fin-i-tee]

noun

plural

infinities 

1. the quality or state of being infinite.

2. something that is infinite.

3. infinite space, time, or quantity.

4. an infinite extent, amount, or number.

5. an indefinitely great amount or number.

6. Mathematics.

   1. the assumed limit of a sequence, series, etc., that increases without bound.

   2. infinite distance or an infinitely distant part of space.

7. Photography.

   1. a distance between a subject and the camera so great that rays of light reflected from the subject may be regarded as parallel.

   2. a distance setting of the camera lens beyond which everything is in focus.

infinity

/ ɪnˈfɪnɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being infinite

2. endless time, space, or quantity

3. an infinitely or indefinitely great number or amount

4. optics photog a point that is far enough away from a lens, mirror, etc, for the light emitted by it to fall in parallel rays on the surface of the lens, etc

5. physics a dimension or quantity of sufficient size to be unaffected by finite variations

6. maths the concept of a value greater than any finite numerical value

7. a distant ideal point at which two parallel lines are assumed to meet

infinity

1. A space, extent of time, or quantity that has no limit.

Word History and Origins

Origin of infinity¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English infinite, from Latin infīnitās, from in- in- ³ + fīni(s) “boundary, end, highest point” ( finish ) + -tās -ty ²

Example Sentences

Of course, not every PG movie goes to infinity and beyond.

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My dashiki is curled around my neck like an infinity scarf.

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It could only fall to zero, but it could rise to infinity.

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With a budget of “$350 million to infinity,” the pseudo-twins set to work adding as much gold as possible to the presidential home.

Read more on Salon

With a budget of “$350 million to infinity” the brothers get to work with the help of park rangers and astronauts working through the government shutdown.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

When To Use

What is the infinity symbol?

The infinity symbol, a figure eight on its side ∞, variously signifies the concept of limitlessness or eternity, especially as used notationally in mathematics and metaphorically with respect to love.