Gedanken experiment

[ guh-dahng-kuhn ]

noun

, Physics.

1. thought experiment.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Gedanken experiment¹

< German, plural of Gedanke thought

Example Sentences

The cover is a representation of Schrodinger’s cat, which in a gedanken experiment quantum mechanics suggests is in a superposition of being alive and dead until it is observed.

From Scientific American

In physics, the term `gedanken experiment' is used to refer to an experiment that is impractical to carry out, but useful to consider because it can be reasoned about theoretically.

From Project Gutenberg

In physics, the term `gedanken experiment' is used to refer to an experiment that is impractical to carry out, but useful to consider because you can reason about it theoretically.

From Project Gutenberg

In physics, the term `gedanken experiment' is used to refer to an experiment that is impractical to carry out, but useful to consider because it can be reasoned about theoretically.

From Project Gutenberg