infinity
Open main menu Search Infinity symbol Language Watch Edit The infinity symbol ( {\displaystyle \infty } , ∞ , or in unicode ∞) is a mathematical symbol representing the concept of infinity . In algebraic geometry , the figure is called a lemniscate . ∞ Infinity symbol In Unicode U+221E ∞ INFINITY (HTML ∞ · ∞ ) Different from Different from U+267E ♾ PERMANENT PAPER SIGN (HTML ♾ ) The ∞ symbol in several typefaces History Edit John Wallis introduced the infinity symbol to mathematical literature. The shape of a sideways figure eight has a long pedigree; for instance, it appears in the cross of Saint Boniface , wrapped around the bars of a Latin cross . [1] However, John Wallis is credited with introducing the infinity symbol with its mathematical meaning in 1655, in his De sectionibus conicis . [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] Wallis did not explain his choice of this symbol, but it has been conjectured to be a variant form of a Roman n