In"fi*nite (?), a. [L.
infinitus: cf. F. infini. See In- not, and
Finite.]
1. Unlimited or boundless, in time or space;
as, infinite duration or distance.
Whatever is finite, as finite, will admit of no
comparative relation with infinity; for whatever is less than
infinite is still infinitely distant from infinity; and lower
than infinite distance the lowest or least can not
sink.
H. Brooke.
2. Without limit in power, capacity,
knowledge, or excellence; boundless; immeasurably or inconceivably
great; perfect; as, the infinite wisdom and goodness of God; -
- opposed to finite.
Great is our Lord, and of great power; his
understanding is infinite.
Ps. cxlvii.
5.
O God, how infinite thou art!
I. Watts.
3. Indefinitely large or extensive; great;
vast; immense; gigantic; prodigious.
Infinite riches in a little room.
Marlowe.
Which infinite calamity shall cause
To human life.
Milton.
4. (Math.) Greater than any assignable
quantity of the same kind; -- said of certain quantities.
5. (Mus.) Capable of endless
repetition; -- said of certain forms of the canon, called also
perpetual fugues, so constructed that their ends lead to their
beginnings, and the performance may be incessantly repeated.
Moore (Encyc. of Music).
Syn. -- Boundless; immeasurable; illimitable; interminable;
limitless; unlimited; endless; eternal.
In"fi*nite, n. 1.
That which is infinite; boundless space or duration; infinity;
boundlessness.
Not till the weight is heaved from off the air, and
the thunders roll down the horizon, will the serene light of God flow
upon us, and the blue infinite embrace us again.
J. Martineau.
2. (Math.) An infinite quantity or
magnitude.
3. An infinity; an incalculable or very great
number.
Glittering chains, embroidered richly o'er
With infinite of pearls and finest gold.
Fanshawe.
4. The Infinite Being; God; the
Almighty.
