asymptote Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a straight line that is the limiting value of a curve; can be considered as tangent at infinity
    • the asymptote of the curve

WordNet

As"ymp*tote noun
Etymology
Gr. not falling together; priv. + to fall together; with + to fall. Cf. Symptom.
Definitions
  1. (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 1913