n. & v.
n. 1 a point, line, or level beyond which something does not or may not extend or pass. 2 (often in pl.) the boundary of an area. 3 the greatest or smallest amount permissible or possible (upper limit; lower limit). 4 Math. a quantity which a function or sum of a series can be made to approach as closely as desired.
v.tr. (limited, limiting) 1 set or serve as a limit to. 2 (foll. by to) restrict. be the limit colloq. be intolerable or extremely irritating. off limits US out of bounds. within limits moderately; with some degree of freedom. without limit with no restriction. limitable adj. limitative adj. limiter n.
[ ME f. L limes limitis boundary, frontier ]