infinitesimal
UK: ˌɪnfɪnɪˈtɛsɪməl | US: ˌɪnfɪnɪˈtɛsɪməl
adj. extremely small; immeasurably or incalculably minute
n. a variable quantity tending to zero (in mathematics)
infinitesimal = infinite<boundless> + esim<small> + al<adjective suffix>
- infinite: From Latin infinitus (in- "not" + finis "end, limit"), meaning "boundless" or "without limit."
- esim: A variant of the suffix -esimal, derived from Latin -esimus (ordinal suffix, e.g., centesimus "hundredth"), here implying "smallness" or "fractional."
- al: Adjective-forming suffix from Latin -alis, indicating "pertaining to."
Etymology Origin:
The word emerged in the early 17th century, blending infinite (suggesting boundlessness) with -esimal (implying divisibility into tiny parts). Originally a mathematical term for quantities approaching zero, it later generalized to describe anything imperceptibly small. The logic reflects the paradox of something infinite (limitless) being divided into the smallest conceivable fragments.
The microscope revealed infinitesimal organisms invisible to the naked eye.
In calculus, infinitesimal changes are fundamental to understanding derivatives.
The difference between the two theories is infinitesimal but significant.
She felt an infinitesimal tremor in her hands as she spoke.
The artist paid infinitesimal attention to every brushstroke.