| theorem | 1. That which is considered and established as a principle; hence, sometimes, a rule. "Not theories, but theorems, the intelligible products of contemplation, intellectual objects in the mind, and of and for the mind exclusively." (Coleridge) "By the theorems, Which your polite and terser gallants practice, I re-refine the court, and civilize Their barbarous natures." (Massinger) 2. <mathematics> A statement of a principle to be demonstrated. A theorem is something to be proved, and is thus distinguished from a problem, which is something to be solved. In analysis, the term is sometimes applied to a rule, especially a rule or statement of relations expressed in a formula or by symbols; as, the binomial theorem; Taylor's theorem. See the Note under Proposition. Binomial theorem. <mathematics> A theorem which extends to any quantity without restriction. Origin: L. Theorema, Gr. A sight, speculation, theory, theorem, fr. To look at, a spectator: cf. F. Theoreme. See Theory. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| theoretical | Of, pertaining to or consisting in theory, not practical (distinguished from applied). (18 Nov 1997) |
| theory | In science, an explanation for some phenomenon which is based on observation, experimentation, and reasoning. In popular use, a theory is often assumed to imply mere speculation, but in science, something is not called a theory until it has been confirmed over the course of many independent experiments. Theories are more certain than hypotheses, but less certain than laws. (09 Oct 1997) |
| theory of electrolytic dissociation | The theory of electrolytic dissociation (1887) that became the basis of our modern understanding of electrolytes: in an electrically conductive solution (e.g., acid, base, or salt), free ions are present before electrolysis, and the proportion of molecules dissociated into ions can be calculated from measurements of electrical conductivity as well as of osmotic pressure. Synonym: Arrhenius law. (05 Mar 2000) |
| theory of medicine | The science, as distinguished from the art, or practice, of medicine. (05 Mar 2000) |