Infinitesimal: meaning, definitions and examples

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infinitesimal

 

[ ɪnˌfɪnɪˈtɛsɪməl ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

mathematics

Infinitesimal refers to an extremely small quantity, so small that it cannot be measured or distinguished. In mathematics, infinitesimal is used to describe quantities that are infinitely small, approaching zero but not quite zero.

Synonyms

microscopic, minuscule, tiny

Examples of usage

  • Calculating the slope of a curve at a specific point often involves dealing with infinitesimal changes in the x and y coordinates.
  • The concept of infinitesimal is crucial in calculus, where it allows mathematicians to work with limits and derivatives.
Context #2 | Noun

mathematics

In mathematics, an infinitesimal is an infinitely small quantity. It is used to define the concept of limits, derivatives, and integrals in calculus.

Synonyms

infinitely small value, microscopic quantity

Examples of usage

  • When studying the behavior of functions, mathematicians often consider the behavior of functions at infinitesimally close points.
  • Infinitesimals are fundamental in the development of calculus and the understanding of continuous change.
Context #3 | Noun

general

In everyday language, infinitesimal can refer to something extremely small or insignificant.

Synonyms

minimal, negligible, trivial

Examples of usage

  • The impact of his actions was infinitesimal, barely noticeable in the grand scheme of things.

Translations

Translations of the word "infinitesimal" in other languages:

🇵🇹 infinitesimal

🇮🇳 अत्यल्प

🇩🇪 unendlich klein

🇮🇩 sangat kecil

🇺🇦 нескінченно малий

🇵🇱 nieskończenie mały

🇯🇵 無限小

🇫🇷 infinitésimal

🇪🇸 infinitesimal

🇹🇷 sonsuz küçük

🇰🇷 극소의

🇸🇦 ضئيل للغاية

🇨🇿 nekonečně malý

🇸🇰 nekonečne malý

🇨🇳 无限小

🇸🇮 neskončno majhen

🇮🇸 óendanlega lítill

🇰🇿 шексіз шағын

🇬🇪 უსაზღვროდ მცირე

🇦🇿 sonsuz kiçik

🇲🇽 infinitesimal

Etymology

The term 'infinitesimal' originated in the late 17th century from the Latin words 'infinitus' (unbounded) and 'esimal' (from 'exiguus,' meaning small). It was introduced by mathematicians to describe quantities that are smaller than any finite quantity but not zero. The concept of infinitesimals played a significant role in the development of calculus by mathematicians like Newton and Leibniz, leading to a revolution in mathematical analysis and the understanding of limits and derivatives.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,160, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.