Asymptotic
From:
as·ymp·tote (ăsĭm-tōt′, -ĭmp-)
n.
A line whose distance to a given curve tends to zero. An asymptote may or may not intersect its associated curve.
[Ultimately from Greek asumptōtos, not intersecting : a-, not; see A- + sumptōtos, intersecting (from sumpiptein, sumptō-, to converge : sun-, syn- + piptein, to fall; see pet- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots).]
Adjective: as′ymp·tot′′ ic (-tŏt′′ ĭk), as′ymp·tot′′ i·cal
Adverb: as′ymp·tot′′ i·cal·ly
American Heritage Dictionary.
In use:
No, it doesn't mean having no symptoms: that's asymptomatic. This is one of those words from Math Class that you never thought you'd ever use again. "As he passed age 64, Stargzer suddenly realized that the graph of time versus his retirement date was an asymptotic line -- he approached it but would never actually be able to retire."
Asymptotic
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- Great Grand Panjandrum
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Asymptotic
Regards//Larry
"To preserve liberty, it is essential that the whole body of the people always possess arms, and be taught alike, especially when young, how to use them."
-- Attributed to Richard Henry Lee
"To preserve liberty, it is essential that the whole body of the people always possess arms, and be taught alike, especially when young, how to use them."
-- Attributed to Richard Henry Lee
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- Great Grand Panjandrum
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Re: Asymptotic
Please meet the Greek philosopher, whose name escapes me now I need it, who said we could never leave the room if we kept halving the distance....
pl
- call_copse
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Re: Asymptotic
I believe 'twere Zeno (of Elea).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeno%27s_paradoxes
Still slightly troubled by that one.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeno%27s_paradoxes
Still slightly troubled by that one.
Iain
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- Great Grand Panjandrum
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