Mathematics
The Epsilon-Delta Definition of a Limit in Calculus
Quick fact
The epsilon-delta definition was formalized by Karl Weierstrass in the 19th century, finally eliminating the vagueness that plagued calculus since Newton and Leibniz.
Why this is interesting
You've probably heard that a limit is what the function 'approaches.' But what does 'approach' really mean? How close is close enough? The epsilon-delta definition answers this with a mathematical game of precision.