Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition


Infinity

In-fin′i-ty

,
Noun.
;
pl.
Infinities
(#)
.
[L.
infinitas
; pref.
in-
not +
finis
boundary, limit, end: cf. F.
infinité
. See
Finite
.]
1.
Unlimited extent of time, space, or quantity; eternity; boundlessness; immensity.
Sir T. More.
There can not be more
infinities
than one; for one of them would limit the other.
Sir W. Raleigh.
2.
Unlimited capacity, energy, excellence, or knowledge;
as, the
infinity
of God and his perfections
.
Hooker.
3.
Endless or indefinite number; great multitude; as an infinity of beauties.
Broome.
4.
(Math.)
A quantity greater than any assignable quantity of the same kind.
☞ Mathematically considered, infinity is always a limit of a variable quantity, resulting from a particular supposition made upon the varying element which enters it.
Davies & Peck (Math. Dict.).
5.
(Geom.)
That part of a line, or of a plane, or of space, which is infinitely distant. In modern geometry, parallel lines or planes are sometimes treated as lines or planes meeting at infinity.
Circle at infinity
,
an imaginary circle at infinity, through which, in geometry of three dimensions, every sphere is imagined to pass.
–
Circular points at infinity
.
See under
Circular
.

Webster 1828 Edition


Infinity

INFIN'ITY

,
Noun.
[L. infinitas.]
1.
Unlimited extent of time, space or quantity; boundlessness. We apply infinity to God and his perfections; we speak of the infinity of his existence, his knowledge, his power, his goodness and holiness.
2.
Immensity; indefinite extent.
3.
Endless or indefinite number; a hyperbolical use of the word; as an infinity of beauties.