ideal point

noun

: a point added to the plane or to space to eliminate special cases
specifically : the point at infinity added in projective geometry as the assumed intersection of two parallel lines

Word History

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ideal point was in 1879

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Cite this Entry

“Ideal point.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ideal%20point. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

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