asymptote
asymptote, In mathematics, a line or curve that acts as the limit of another line or curve. For example, a descending curve that approaches but does not reach the horizontal axis is said to be asymptotic to that axis, which is the asymptote of the curve.
This article was most recently revised and updated by William L. Hosch.
Citation Information
Article Title:
asymptote
Website Name:
Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher:
Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published:
07 October 2026
Access Date:
November 14, 2026