transfinite

adjective

trans·​fi·​nite (ˌ)tran(t)s-ˈfī-ˌnīt 

1

: going beyond or surpassing any finite number, group, or magnitude

2

: being or relating to the cardinal and ordinal numbers of infinite sets

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

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

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