infinitesimal

[ in-fin-i-tes-uh-muhl ]

adjective

1. exceedingly small; minute:

   Capillaries, the infinitesimal vessels in our circulatory system, are small enough that red blood cells must flow through them single-file.

2. Mathematics.
   1. immeasurably small; less than an assignable quantity:

      An infinitesimal number is never zero, but it comes pretty close.

   2. of, relating to, or involving variables having zero as a limit:

      infinitesimal calculus.

noun

1. an infinitesimal quantity.
2. Mathematics. a variable having zero as a limit.

infinitesimal

/ ˌɪnfɪnɪˈtɛsɪməl /

adjective

1. infinitely or immeasurably small
2. maths of, relating to, or involving a small change in the value of a variable that approaches zero as a limit

noun

1. maths an infinitesimal quantity

infinitesimal

/ ĭn′fĭn-ĭ-tĕs′ə-məl /

Adjective

1. Capable of having values approaching zero as a limit.

Noun

1. A function or variable continuously approaching zero as a limit.

Derived Forms

• ˌinfiniˈtesimally, adverb

Other Words From

• in·fin·i·tes·i·mal·i·ty [in-fin-i-tes-, uh, -, mal, -i-tee], in·fin·i·tes·i·mal·ness noun
• in·fin·i·tes·i·mal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of infinitesimal¹

First recorded in 1645–55; from New Latin infīnītēsim(us), equivalent to Latin infīnīt(us) infinite + -ēsimus suffix of ordinal numerals + -al ¹

Example Sentences

But he also said the numbers suggested that noncitizen voting “is an infinitesimal, small issue.”

From Salon

Already, quantum computers are helping researchers zoom in on reaction pathways in fuel cell catalysts, simulate the infinitesimally brief interactions of light and matter, and reveal druggable pockets in proteins.

From Science Magazine

In dissent, Trump appointee Andrew Oldham responded that “no one seeks without at least an infinitesimal hope of finding.”

From Salon

Election administration experts say it’s not only provable, but it’s been demonstrated that the number of noncitizens voting in federal elections is infinitesimal.

From Seattle Times

While I appreciate the sentiment, there’s an infinitesimal flaw in Kurkjian’s premise.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• imperceptible
• insignificant
• microscopic
• minuscule
• negligible