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finite

 - 5 dictionary results

fi⋅nite

  [fahy-nahyt]
Use finite in a Sentence
–adjective
1. having bounds or limits; not infinite; measurable.
2. Mathematics.
a. (of a set of elements) capable of being completely counted.
b. not infinite or infinitesimal.
c. not zero.
3. subject to limitations or conditions, as of space, time, circumstances, or the laws of nature: man's finite existence on earth.
–noun
4. something that is finite.
Origin:
1375–1425; late ME < L fīnītus, ptp. of fīnīre to stop, limit. See fine 1 , -ite 2

Related forms:
fi⋅nite⋅ly, adverb
fi⋅nite⋅ness, noun

Synonyms:
1. bounded, limited, circumscribed, restricted.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To finite
fi·nite   (fī'nīt')   
adj.  

    1. Having bounds; limited: a finite list of choices; our finite fossil fuel reserves.

    2. Existing, persisting, or enduring for a limited time only; impermanent.

    3. Being neither infinite nor infinitesimal.

    4. Having a positive or negative numerical value; not zero.

    5. Possible to reach or exceed by counting. Used of a number.

    6. Having a limited number of elements. Used of a set.

  2. Mathematics

    1. Being neither infinite nor infinitesimal.

    2. Having a positive or negative numerical value; not zero.

    3. Possible to reach or exceed by counting. Used of a number.

    4. Having a limited number of elements. Used of a set.

  3. Grammar Of or relating to any of the forms of a verb that can occur on their own in a main clause and that can formally express distinctions in person, number, tense, mood, and voice, often by means of conjugation, as the verb sees in She sees the sign.

n.  A finite thing.

[Middle English finit, from Latin fīnītus, past participle of fīnīre, to limit, from fīnis, end.]
fi'nite'ly adv., fi'nite'ness n.
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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Word Origin & History

finite 
1410, from L. finitus, pp. of finire "to limit, set bounds, end," from finis (see finish).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Science Dictionary
finite   (fī'nīt')  Pronunciation Key 

  1. Relating to a set that cannot be put into a one-to-one correspondence with any proper subset of its own members.

  2. Relating to or being a numerical quantity describing the size of such a set.

  3. Being a member of the set of real or complex numbers.

  4. Being a quantity that is non-zero and not infinite.


The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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Computing Dictionary

finite
compact

The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing, © 1993-2007 Denis Howe
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