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Dictionary Language resources

asymptote

Pronunciation: /ˈasɪm(p)təʊt/

Definition of asymptote

noun

a straight line that continually approaches a given curve but does not meet it at any finite distance.

Derivatives

asymptotic
asymptotically

Origin:

mid 17th century: from modern Latin asymptota (linea) '(line) not meeting', from Greek asumptōtos 'not falling together', from a- 'not' + sun 'together' + ptōtos 'apt to fall' (from piptein 'to fall')