Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Asymptote
As′ymp-tote
(?; 215)
, Noun.
[Gr. [GREEK] not falling together;
ἀ
priv. + [GREEK] to fall together; [GREEK] with + [GREEK] to fall. Cf. Symptom
.] (Math.)
A line which approaches nearer to some curve than assignable distance, but, though infinitely extended, would never meet it. Asymptotes may be straight lines or curves. A rectilinear asymptote may be conceived as a tangent to the curve at an infinite distance.
Webster 1828 Edition
Asymptote
AS'YMPTOTE
,Noun.
A line which approaches nearer and nearer to some curve, but though infinitely extended, would never meet it. This may be conceived as a tangent to a curve at an infinite distance.