How Do You Spell INFINITESIMAL?

Pronunciation: [ˈɪnfɪnətˌɛsɪmə͡l] (IPA)

The word "infinitesimal" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription of [ɪnˌfɪnɪˈtɛsɪməl]. The first syllable "in" is pronounced as "ɪn," followed by "fi" as "fɪ." The third syllable "ni" is pronounced as "nɪ." The fourth syllable "tɛ" is pronounced as "tɛ," and the fifth syllable "si" is pronounced as "sɪ." The sixth syllable "mə" is pronounced as "məl." This word is often used to indicate a very small quantity or size that is almost impossible to measure.

INFINITESIMAL Meaning and Definition

  1. Infinitesimal is an adjective that describes something extremely small or minimal, often to the point of being considered as an insignificant quantity or magnitude. The term is derived from the Latin words "in" meaning "not" and "finitus" meaning "limited or finite." It is commonly used in mathematical and scientific contexts to refer to values or quantities that are very close to zero or approaching an infinitely small size.

    In mathematics, an infinitesimal quantity is denoted by the symbol "ε" or "delta" and is typically used in calculus to describe the infinitesimally small change in variables. It is a fundamental concept in differential calculus, where it is used to calculate derivatives and integrals, representing the rate of change or the sum of small increments, respectively.

    In the scientific realm, infinitesimal is used to describe tiny particles or aspects that are almost indistinguishable or too small to be observed or measured directly. For example, in physics, infinitesimal often refers to tiny amounts of energy, mass, or time that cannot be divided further.

    On a broader scale, infinitesimal can be used figuratively to emphasize the insignificance or triviality of something. It implies the idea that the object or phenomenon in question is so small or negligible that it can be ignored or disregarded without affecting the overall result or outcome.

    Overall, the term "infinitesimal" is an essential concept in mathematics and science, conveying the notion of something incredibly small or minute that can have significant implications when employed in specific contexts.

  2. • Infinitely small.
    • An infinitely small quantity.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

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Etymology of INFINITESIMAL

The word "infinitesimal" dates back to the 17th century when it was coined by the mathematician and philosopher, John Wallis. It is derived from the Latin word "infinitesimus", which means "the smallest of all", by combining the word "infinitum" (infinite) with the suffix "-esimus", indicating the ordinal number "the smallest". Wallis used this term to describe smaller and smaller quantities that eventually approach zero in his mathematical calculations. Over time, "infinitesimal" became a commonly used term in mathematics and other fields to describe extremely small or infinitesimally tiny quantities.

Similar spelling words for INFINITESIMAL

Plural form of INFINITESIMAL is INFINITESIMALS

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