transfinite

adj, noun — 3 senses

transfinite

adj

/tɹænsˈfaɪnaɪt/

Etymology From German transfinit, coined by Georg Cantor, equivalent to trans- + finite.

1

Beyond finite.

2

Mathematics, Sciences Relating to transfinite numbers.

Derived terms: transfinite induction, transfinitely
Related terms: finite, infinite, transfinity

transfinite

noun

Etymology From German transfinit, coined by Georg Cantor, equivalent to trans- + finite.

1

A transfinite number.

An interesting and perhaps essential formal model of this quality is to be found in Cantor's concepts of infinite sets and transfinite cardinals. The laws of ordinary, inductive mathematics do not apply to these, for the 'least part' of such transfinites are equal to the whole, and convey their infinite (i.e. world-like) quality.1973, Oliver Sacks, Awakenings:

Entry derived from the Wiktionary, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0 — list of authors.