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asymptotic

 - 2 dictionary results

as⋅ymp⋅tot⋅ic

[as-im-tot-ik]
–adjective Mathematics.
1. of or pertaining to an asymptote.
2. (of a function) approaching a given value as an expression containing a variable tends to infinity.
3. (of two functions) so defined that their ratio approaches unity as the independent variable approaches a limit or infinity.
4. (of a formula) becoming increasingly exact as a variable approaches a limit, usually infinity.
5. coming into consideration as a variable approaches a limit, usually infinity: asymptotic property; asymptotic behavior.
Also, as⋅ymp⋅tot⋅i⋅cal.


Origin:
1665–75; asymptote + -ic


as⋅ymp⋅tot⋅i⋅cal⋅ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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as·ymp·tote   (ās'ĭm-tōt', -ĭmp-)   


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n.  A line whose distance to a given curve tends to zero. An asymptote may or may not intersect its associated curve.

[Ultimately from Greek asumptōtos, not intersecting : a-, not; see a-1 + sumptōtos, intersecting (from sumpiptein, sumptō-, to converge : sun-, syn- + piptein, to fall; see pet- in Indo-European roots).]
as'ymp·tot'ic (-tŏt'ĭk), as'ymp·tot'i·cal adj., as'ymp·tot'i·cal·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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