limit: Meaning and Definition of

lim•it

1. the final, utmost, or furthest boundary or point as to extent, amount, continuance, procedure, etc.: the limit of his experience; the limit of vision.
2. a boundary or bound, as of a country, area, or district.
1. a number such that the value of a given function remains arbitrarily close to this number when the independent variable is sufficiently close to a specified point or is sufficiently large. The limit of 1/x is zero as x approaches infinity; the limit of (x − 1)2 is zero as x approaches 1.
2. a number such that the absolute value of the difference between terms of a given sequence and the number approaches zero as the index of the terms increases to infinity.
3. one of two numbers affixed to the integration symbol for a definite integral, indicating the interval or region over which the integration is taking place and substituted in a primitive, if one exists, to evaluate the integral.
4. the premises or region enclosed within boundaries: We found them on school limits after hours.
5. the maximum sum by which a bet may be raised at any one time.
6. something or someone that exasperates, delights, etc., to an extreme degree: You have made errors before, but this is the limit.

1. to restrict by or as if by establishing limits (usually fol. by to): Please limit answers to 25 words.
2. to confine or keep within limits: to limit expenditures.
3. to fix or assign definitely or specifically.