transfinite induction
A mathematical proof technique used in set theory, extending ordinary induction to well-ordered sets, typically ordinals.
Transfinite induction is used for proofs over all ordinal numbers.
Mathematical induction, which works on natural numbers, while transfinite induction extends the principle to well-ordered sets beyond the natural numbers.
Compound of 超限 (chōgen, 'transfinite') and 帰納法 (kinōhō, 'induction'). The term is a direct calque from English 'transfinite induction'.