asymptote Hear it!

asymptote Definition

asymp·tote (as′im tōt′, -imp-)

noun

Math. a straight line always approaching but never meeting a curve; tangent to a curve at infinity

Etymology: ModL asymptota < Gr asymptōtos < a-, not + symptōtos, self-intersecting < syn-, together + piptein, to fall: see feather

asymptote Related Forms
as′ymp·tot′ic (-tät′ik) adjective or as′ymp·tot′i·cal as′ymp·tot′i·cally adverb
asymptote Usage Examples

Adjective modifier

  • vertical: The numeric problem occurs at 0, where the function behaves like, which has the y axis as a vertical asymptote.