Illustration of asymptote
- asymptotes to the hyperbola
asymptote
noun
as·ymp·tote ˈa-səm(p)-ˌtōt 
: a straight line associated with a curve such that as a point moves along an infinite branch of the curve the distance from the point to the line approaches zero and the slope of the curve at the point approaches the slope of the line
asymptotic
ˌa-səm(p)-ˈtä-tik
adjective asymptotically
ˌa-səm(p)-ˈtä-ti-k(ə-)lē
adverb 
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Across the world, most countries have reopened but there remains disquieting uncertainty on whether or not the pandemic has indeed approached its asymptote of endemicity. 
David Walcott, Forbes, 17 May 2022
David Walcott, Forbes, 17 May 2022 Word History
Etymology
probably from New Latin *asymptotus, from Greek asymptōtos not meeting, from a- + sympiptein to meet — more at symptom
First Known Use
1656, in the meaning defined above