noun a point or level beyond which something does not or may not extend or pass
verb to set or serve as a limit to
In mathematics, a limit is a value that a function or sequence approaches as the input or index approaches a certain value.
In finance, a limit may refer to the maximum amount of money that can be invested or borrowed, such as credit limits or trading limits.
In engineering, a limit may refer to the maximum stress or load that a material or structure can withstand, such as weight limits or temperature limits.
In computer science, a limit can refer to the maximum size or capacity of a data structure or system, such as memory limits or file size limits.
In physics, a limit may refer to the maximum or minimum value of a physical quantity, such as the speed limit or weight limit.
In the context of writing, 'limit' can refer to setting boundaries on word count, character development, or plot complexity to ensure a cohesive and concise story.
Psychologists may use the concept of 'limit' when discussing personal boundaries with clients, setting limits on therapy sessions, or exploring the limitations of human cognition and behavior.
For financial analysts, 'limit' often refers to predefined thresholds for trading activities, risk exposure, or investment decisions to manage portfolio performance and mitigate potential losses.
Software developers may encounter 'limit' when working on coding projects, such as setting constraints on memory usage, processing speed, or data storage to optimize performance and ensure scalability.
In the medical field, 'limit' can pertain to various aspects such as setting limits on medication dosage, treatment duration, or patient confidentiality to uphold ethical standards and provide quality healthcare.
Architects may consider 'limit' in terms of building codes, zoning regulations, or structural constraints when designing and constructing buildings to ensure compliance with safety standards and functional requirements.