transfinite

Etymology

From German transfinit, coined by Georg Cantor.

adj

  1. Beyond finite.
  2. (mathematics) Relating to transfinite numbers.

noun

  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

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