Infinitesimal
(In`fin*i*tes"i*mal), n. (Math.) An infinitely small quantity; that which is less than any assignable
quantity.
Infinitesimally
(In`fin*i*tes"i*mal*ly), adv. By infinitesimals; in infinitely small quantities; in an infinitesimal
degree.
Infinitival
(In*fin`i*ti"val) a. Pertaining to the infinite mood. "Infinitival stems." Fitzed. Hall.
Infinitive
(In*fin"i*tive) n. [L. infinitivus: cf. F. infinitif. See Infinite.] Unlimited; not bounded or restricted; undefined.
Infinitive mood (Gram.),
that form of the verb which merely names the action, and performs the office
of a verbal noun. Some grammarians make two forms in English: (a) The simple form, as, speak, go,
hear, before which to is commonly placed, as, to speak; to go; to hear. (b) The form of the imperfect
participle, called the infinitive in -ing; as, going is as easy as standing.
With the auxiliary verbs may, can, must, might, could, would, and should, the simple infinitive is
expressed without to; as, you may speak; they must hear, etc. The infinitive usually omits to with the
verbs let, dare, do, bid, make, see, hear, need, etc.; as, let me go; you dare not tell; make him
work; hear him talk, etc.
In Anglo-Saxon, the simple infinitive was not preceded by to but it had a dative form (sometimes called
the gerundial infinitive) which was preceded by to, and was chiefly employed in expressing purpose.
See Gerund, 2.
The gerundial ending (-anne) not only took the same form as the simple infinitive but it was confounded
with the present participle in -ende, or -inde (later - inge).
Infinitive
(In*fin"i*tive), n. (Gram.) An infinitive form of the verb; a verb in the infinitive mood; the infinitive
mood.
Infinitive
(In*fin"i*tive), adv. (Gram.) In the manner of an infinitive mood.
Infinito
(||In`fi*ni"to) a. [It.] (Mus.) Infinite; perpetual, as a canon whose end leads back to the beginning.
See Infinite, a., 5.
Infinitude
(In*fin"i*tude) n.
1. The quality or state of being infinite, or without limits; infiniteness.
2. Infinite extent; unlimited space; immensity; infinity. "I am who fill infinitude." Milton.
As pleasing to the fancy, as speculations of eternity or infinitude are to the understanding.
Addison. 3. Boundless number; countless multitude. "An infinitude of distinctions." Addison.
Infinituple
(In*fin"i*tu`ple) a. [Cf. Quadruple.] Multiplied an infinite number of times. [R.] Wollaston.
Infinity
(In*fin"i*ty) n.; pl. Infinities [L. infinitas; pref. in- not + finis boundary, limit, end: cf. F. infinité.
See Finite.]
1. Unlimited extent of time, space, or quantity; eternity; boundlessness; immensity. Sir T. More.
There can not be more infinities than one; for one of them would limit the other.
Sir W. Raleigh. 2. Unlimited capacity, energy, excellence, or knowledge; as, the infinity of God and his perfections. Hooker.
3. Endless or indefinite number; great multitude; as an infinity of beauties. Broome.