noun

asymptote

AS-im-toht

Quiz me More like this

Asymptote (noun) means a straight line that a curve gets closer and closer to but never actually touches as it extends towards infinity. Example: “The graph has a horizontal asymptote at y equals zero.”

noun

technical A straight line that a curve gets closer and closer to but never actually touches as it extends towards infinity.

"The graph has a horizontal asymptote at y equals zero."

"As x grows larger, the curve edges nearer to its asymptote without ever meeting it."

"Students often plot the asymptotes first to sketch the rest of the curve."

How to use asymptote

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishIt describes a line a curve keeps approaching but never quite reaches.

When to use it

This is a mathematical term that occasionally appears in general writing with a figurative sense.

Memory tip

Picture a curve stretching towards a line forever without ever landing on it.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

horizontal asymptote vertical asymptote approach an asymptote asymptote to zero

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like asymptote.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “asymptote” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The graph has a horizontal _____ at y equals zero.

Etymology

The word comes from an Ancient Greek adjective meaning not falling together, built from a negative prefix, a word for together, and a word meaning fallen. It entered English use in the mid seventeenth century.

Origin: Ancient Greek

Rhymes for asymptote

OTE vote note rote dote tote wrote quote remote coyote capote peyote

See all rhymes for asymptote →

Frequently asked questions

What does asymptote mean in maths?

It is a straight line that a curve approaches more and more closely but never actually meets, even as the curve stretches out towards infinity.

Can a curve ever touch its asymptote?

By definition a curve gets arbitrarily close to its asymptote but does not meet it.

Can asymptote be used outside maths?

Yes, it is sometimes used figuratively for something that keeps approaching a goal or state without ever quite reaching it.

What is the meaning of asymptote?

"asymptote" (noun) means a straight line that a curve gets closer and closer to but never actually touches as it extends towards infinity.