# How to pronounce $\circledcirc$ (an infinitesimal)?

I'm reading a paper in which $$\circledcirc$$ is used to mean an infinitesimal (from nonstandard analysis). So, for example, you would have $$0<\circledcirc^2<\circledcirc$$.

I'm wondering how to pronounce this symbol, and thus expressions containing it. (Zero is less than bullseye squared is less than bullseye? What's that symbol called?)

Note that I understand the name of the symbol in $$\LaTeX$$ (\circledcirc), but that's not what I'm asking. What does the non-standard analysis community call it when reading in their heads, or talking to students from the blackboard?

• When your first instinct is to see if $\circledcircledcirc$ is a thing... Mar 28 '17 at 19:29
• "donut". It really doesn't matter what it's called or what symbol is used for it, but that's short and pithy if it's necessary to be consistent with this paper. Mar 28 '17 at 19:29
• You could also read it precisely as "rewffagag". It really doesn't matter. We use the symbol $\varepsilon$ to denote any positive number. What we really mean, though, is it's a "small" positive number. The word infinitesimal raises some suspicion, I'd steer clear from it. Mar 28 '17 at 19:33
• I know it's OK to say whatever I want in my own head. :) I was asking whether there is a standard that people use. If so, I'll use that in my head to get used to it. Mar 28 '17 at 19:34
• @SimplyBeautifulArt "Standard" is a better word than "modern".
– user312097
Mar 28 '17 at 20:16