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asymptote

noun as·ymp·tote \ ˈa-səm(p)-ˌtōt \

Definition of asymptote

: a straight line associated with a curve such that as a point moves along an infinite branch of the curve the distance from the point to the line approaches zero and the slope of the curve at the point approaches the slope of the line
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asymptotic

play \ˌa-səm(p)-ˈtä-tik\ adjective
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asymptotically

play \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Illustration of asymptote

illustration of asymptote

Origin and Etymology of asymptote

probably from New Latin *asymptotus, from Greek asymptōtos not meeting, from a- + sympiptein to meet — more at symptom

Learn More about asymptote

  1. See words that rhyme with asymptote Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about asymptote

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