transfinite

adjective

trans·​fi·​nite (ˌ)tran(t)s-ˈfī-ˌnīt How to pronounce transfinite (audio)
1
: going beyond or surpassing any finite number, group, or magnitude
2
: being or relating to the cardinal and ordinal numbers of infinite sets

Examples of transfinite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This notation, which relies on advanced techniques such as transfinite arithmetic, is a type of recurring exponential function, and in this case translates to: 2 to the 2 to the 2 to the 2 to the 2... one thousand times. Adrienne Bernhard, Popular Mechanics, 27 Feb. 2023 This class comprises integers, real numbers, transfinite numbers and infinitesimals—a structure that no one previously imagined was possible in which everything can be added, multiplied, and so on. Jean-Paul Delahaye, Scientific American, 28 Apr. 2021 Interestingly enough, Kruskal's tree theorem required non-finite mathmatics to prove, using advanced techniques such as transfinite arithmetic and ordinal numbers. Jay Bennett, Popular Mechanics, 20 Oct. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'transfinite.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

German transfinit, from trans- (from Latin) + finit finite, from Latin finitus

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of transfinite was in 1902

Dictionary Entries Near transfinite

Cite this Entry

“Transfinite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transfinite. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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