Infinitesimal — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /(ˌ)in-ˌfi-nə-ˈte-sə-məl/ in·fin·i·tes·i·mal

Meaning & Definition of Infinitesimal

Infinitesimal (adjective)

  1. immeasurably or incalculably small
  2. taking on values arbitrarily close to but greater than zero

Infinitesimal (noun)

  1. an infinitesimal quantity or variable

Word Forms of Infinitesimal

Derived words: infinitesimally (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Infinitesimal

borrowed from New Latin infīnītēsimālis, from infīnītēsimus "infinite in rank" (from Latin infīnītus "having no limit, infinite:1" + -ēsimus, suffix of higher ordinal numbers) + Latin -ālis -al:1 vigesimal

First known use: 1710

Words & Phrases Containing Infinitesimal

Frequently Asked Questions about Infinitesimal

What does "Infinitesimal" mean?

"Infinitesimal" means immeasurably or incalculably small. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: immeasurably or incalculably small. It has 3 distinct senses.

Is "Infinitesimal" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Infinitesimal" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Infinitesimal"?

"Infinitesimal" is pronounced /(ˌ)in-ˌfi-nə-ˈte-sə-məl/ and divided into syllables as in·fin·i·tes·i·mal.

What is the origin of the word "Infinitesimal"?

"Infinitesimal" comes from borrowed from New Latin infīnītēsimālis, from infīnītēsimus "infinite in rank" (from Latin infīnītus "having no limit, infinite:1" + -ēsimus, suffix of higher ordinal numbers) + Latin -ālis -al:1 vigesimal. First known use: 1710.

What does "Infinitesimal" mean as an adjective?

As an adjective, "Infinitesimal" means: immeasurably or incalculably small; taking on values arbitrarily close to but greater than zero.

What does "Infinitesimal" mean as a noun?

As a noun, "Infinitesimal" means: an infinitesimal quantity or variable.

What words are derived from "Infinitesimal"?

Words derived from "Infinitesimal" include infinitesimally (adverb).