theorem

American  

[thee-er-uhm, theer-uhm] / ˈθi ər əm, ˈθɪər əm /

noun

1. Mathematics. a theoretical proposition, statement, or formula embodying something to be proved from other propositions or formulas.

2. a rule or law, especially one expressed by an equation or formula.

3. Logic. a proposition that can be deduced from the premises or assumptions of a system.

4. an idea, belief, method, or statement generally accepted as true or worthwhile without proof.

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theorem British  

/ ˈθɪərəm, ˌθɪərəˈmætɪk, ˌθɪəˈrɛmɪk /

noun

1. maths logic a statement or formula that can be deduced from the axioms of a formal system by means of its rules of inference

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theorem Scientific  

/ thē′ər-əm,thîr′əm /

1. A mathematical statement whose truth can be proved on the basis of a given set of axioms or assumptions.

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theorem Cultural  

1. A statement in mathematics that is not a basic assumption, such as an axiom, but is deduced (see deduction) from basic assumptions.

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Other Word Forms

• theorematic adjective
• theorematically adverb

Etymology

Origin of theorem

1545–55; < Late Latin theōrēma < Greek theṓrēma spectacle, hence, subject for contemplation, thesis (to be proved), equivalent to theōrē-, variant stem of theōreîn to view + -ma noun suffix

Related Words

• axiom