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Webster 1913 Edition


Theorem

The′o-rem

,
Noun.
[L.
theorema
, Gr. [GREEK] a sight, speculation, theory, theorem, fr. [GREEK] to look at, [GREEK] a spectator: cf. F.
théorème
. See
Theory
.]
1.
That which is considered and established as a principle; hence, sometimes, a rule.
Not theories, but
theorems
([GREEK]), 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.
(Math.)
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
,
Noun.
, 5.
Binomial theorem
.
(Math.)
See under
Binomial
.
Negative theorem
,
a theorem which expresses the impossibility of any assertion.
Particular theorem
(Math.)
,
a theorem which extends only to a particular quantity.
Theorem of Pappus
.
(Math.)
See
Centrobaric method
, under
Centrobaric
.
Universal theorem
(Math.)
,
a theorem which extends to any quantity without restriction.

The′o-rem

,
Verb.
T.
To formulate into a theorem.

Webster 1828 Edition


Theorem

THE'OREM

,
Noun.
[Gr. to see.]
1.
In mathematics, a proposition which terminates in theory,and which considers the properties of things already made or done; or it is a speculative proposition deduced from several definitions compared together.
A theorem is a proposition to be proved by a chain of reasoning. A theorem is something to be proved; a problem is something to be done.
2.
In algebra or analysis, it is sometimes used to denote a rule, particularly when that rule is expressed by symbols.
A universal theorem, extends to any quantity without restriction.
A particular theorem, extends only to a particular quantity.
A negative theorem, expresses the impossibility of any assertion.
A local theorem, is that which relates to a surface.
A solid theorem, is that which considers a space terminated by a solid, that is, by any of the three conic sections.

Definition 2024


Theorem

Theorem

See also: theorem

German

Noun

Theorem n (genitive Theorems, plural Theoreme)

  1. (mathematics) theorem

Declension

Synonyms

  • Lehrsatz

theorem

theorem

See also: Theorem

English

Noun

theorem (plural theorems)

  1. (mathematics) A mathematical statement of some importance that has been proven to be true. Minor theorems are often called propositions. Theorems which are not very interesting in themselves but are an essential part of a bigger theorem's proof are called lemmas.
  2. (mathematics, colloquial, nonstandard) A mathematical statement that is expected to be true
    Fermat's Last Theorem was known thus long before it was proved in the 1990s.
  3. (logic) A syntactically correct expression that is deducible from the given axioms of a deductive system.

Synonyms

Holonyms

Hyponyms

Related terms

Translations

Verb

theorem (third-person singular simple present theorems, present participle theoreming, simple past and past participle theoremed)

  1. (transitive) To formulate into a theorem.

External links

  • theorem in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
  • theorem in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911
  • theorem at OneLook Dictionary Search