Look up: Theory

1. Theory
   This is a word that is frequently misunderstood. Let us say we have a collection of observations ('facts') about something - it preferentially absorbs certain wavelengths of light, is composed largely of oxygen, hydrogen, carbon, calcium and phosphorus in certain proportions, and absorbs oxygen from...
   Found on http://www.kcpc.usyd.edu.au/discovery/gl
   
   
2. theory
   [Noun] A belief or an idea used by scientists to explain something.
   Example: Isaac Newton discovered the theory of gravity after watching an apple fall to the ground.
   Found on http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/glossary
   
   
3. Theory
   An attempt to identify general properties that explain regularly observed events. Theories form an essential element of all sociological works. While theories tend to be linked to broader theoretical approaches, they are also strongly influenced by the research results they help generate.
   Found on http://www.encyclo.co.uk/local/20212
   
   
4. theory
   [n] - a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world 2. [n] - a belief that can guide behavior
   Found on http://www.webdictionary.co.uk/definitio
   
   
5. Theory
   a statement of how and why specific facts are related
   Found on http://wps.pearsoned.co.uk/wps/media/obj
   
   
6. theory
   theories. Compare with hypothesis. Theories are well-established explanations for experimental data. To become established, the theory must experimentally tested by many different investigators. Theories usually can not be proven; a single contrary experiment can disprove a theory.
   Found on http://antoine.frostburg.edu/chem/senese
   
   
7. Theory
   A principle that explains a body of facts and the laws based on them.
   Found on http://www.chemicalglossary.net/definiti
   
   
8. Theory
   In its most general sense a theory describes or explains something. Often it is the answer to 'what', 'when', 'how' or 'why' questions
   Found on http://www.bath.ac.uk/catalogues/informa
   
   
9. theory
   set of compatible word hypotheses,with possible gaps between words and partial syntactic and semantic interpretations Category: Automation (includes telecommunications and computers)
   Found on http://www.mijnwoordenboek.nl/definition
   
   
10. Theory
    The'o·ry noun ; plural Theories . [ French théorie , Latin theoria , Greek ... a beholding, spectacle, contemplation, speculation, from ... a spectator, ... to see, view. See Theater .] 1. A doctrine, or sch...
    Found on http://www.encyclo.co.uk/webster/T/41
    
    
11. 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 experime...
    Found on http://www.mondofacto.com/facts/dictiona
    
    
12. theory
    noun a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena; `theories ...
    Found on http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/web
    
    
13. theory
    (the´ә-re) (thēr´e) the doctrine or the principles underlying an art as distinguished from the practice of that particular art. a formulated hypothesis or, loosely speaking, any hypothesis or opinion not based upon actual knowledge.
    Found on http://www.encyclo.co.uk/local/21001
    
    
14. Theory
    • (n.) The science, as distinguished from the art; as, the theory and practice of medicine. • (n.) A doctrine, or scheme of things, which terminates in speculation or contemplation, without a view to practice; hypothesis; speculation. • (n.) An exposition of the general or abstract pr...
    Found on http://thinkexist.com/dictionary/meaning
    
    
15. theory
    theory 1. Originally, a mental viewing; contemplation. 2. A speculative idea or plan as to how something might be done. 3. A formulation of apparent relationships or underlying principles of certain observed phenomena which have been verified to some degree. 4. That branch of an art or science consi...
    Found on http://www.wordinfo.info/words/index/inf
    
    
16. theory
    The consensus, idea, plan, story, or set of rules that is currently being used to inform a behaviour. This usage is a generalisation and (deliberate) abuse of the technical meaning. 'What's the theory on fixing this TECO loss?' 'What's the theory on dinner tonight?' ('Chinatown, I guess.') 'What...
    Found on http://foldoc.org/theory
    
    
17. Theory
    Proposed explanation for the causal mechanisms responsible for a phenomenon or a set of facts. Also see hypothesis.
    Found on http://www.physicalgeography.net/physgeo
    
    
18. Theory
    An organized system of ideas that seeks to explain why two or more events are related.
    Found on http://www.encyclo.co.uk/local/21198
    
    
19. theory
    theory, in music, discipline involving the construction of cognitive systems to be used as a tool for comprehending musical compositions. The discipline is subdivided into what can be called speculative and analytic theory. Speculative theory engages in reconciling with music certain philosophical o...
    Found on http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/ent/A08484
    
    
20. Theory
    (Gr. theoria, viewing) The hypothetical universal aspect of anything. For Plato, a contemplated truth. For Aristotle, pure knowledge as opposed to the practical. An abstraction from practice. The principle from which practice proceeds. Opposite of practice. -- J.K.F. Hypothesis. More loosely: suppos...
    Found on http://www.ditext.com/runes/t.html
    
    
21. theory
    Type: Term Pronunciation: thē′ŏ-rē Definitions: 1. A reasoned explanation of known facts or phenomena that serves as a basis of investigation by which to seek the truth.
    Found on http://www.medilexicon.com/medicaldictio
    
    
22. theory
    In science, a set of ideas, concepts, principles, or methods used to explain a wide set of observed facts. Among the major theories of science are relativity, quantum theory, evolution, and plate tectonics
    Found on http://www.talktalk.co.uk/reference/ency
    
    
23. theory
    (Gk: theoros spectator) a supposition or system of ideas explaining something, especially one based on general principles independent of the particular things to be explained. Scientific theory is derived from observations, and it is able to predict other outcomes. A (minimal but adequate) set of ru...
    Found on http://www.seafriends.org.nz/books/gloss
    
    
24. theory
    A hypothesis that has withstood extensive testing by a variety of methods, and in which a higher degree of certainty may be placed. A theory is NEVER a fact, but instead is an attempt to explain one or more facts.
    Found on http://www.emc.maricopa.edu/faculty/fara
    
    
25. theory
    a hypothesis assumed for the sake of argument or investigation
    Found on http://www.ircpolitics.org/glossary.html