Asymtotic

/ˌæsɪmˈpɒtɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or describing a line or curve that approaches another line or value without ever reaching it.

Etymology

From Greek 'asymptōtos' with the adjective suffix '-ic', this mathematical term describes the property of asymptotic behavior discovered and formalized during the development of calculus.

Kelly Says

Asymptotic behavior shows up in computer science too—some algorithms are 'asymptotically faster' than others, meaning at huge scales they perform dramatically better even if they're slower on small inputs.

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