Transfinite numbers are numbers that are "
infinite" in the sense that they are larger than all
finite numbers, yet not necessarily
absolutely infinite. The term
transfinite was coined by
Georg Cantor, who wished to avoid some of the implications of the word
infinite in connection with these objects, which were nevertheless not
finite. Few contemporary writers share these qualms; it is now accepted usage to refer to transfinite
cardinals and
ordinals as "infinite". However, the term "transfinite" also remains in use.