theory (Meaning of)

Encyclopedia Sources Categories A-Z Top 40 Calendar Webster E.uk E.de E.nl

Look up: theory

Theory
[mathematical logic] === Subtheories and extensions === A theory S is a subtheory of a theory T if S is a subset of T. If T is a subset of S then S is an extension or supertheory of T === Consistency and completeness === A syntactically consistent theory is a theory from which not every sent...
Found op http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theory_(mathematical_logic)
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 op http://www.kcpc.usyd.edu.au/discovery/glossary-all.html
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 op http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/glossary/
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 op http://www.encyclo.co.uk/local/20212
theory
[n] - a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world 2. [n] - a belief that can guide behavior
Found op http://www.webdictionary.co.uk/definition.php?query=theory
Theory
a statement of how and why specific facts are related
Found op http://wps.pearsoned.co.uk/wps/media/objects/2143/2195136/glossary/glossary
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 op http://antoine.frostburg.edu/chem/senese/101/glossary/t.shtml
Theory
A principle that explains a body of facts and the laws based on them.
Found op http://www.chemicalglossary.net/definition/1588-Theory
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 op http://www.bath.ac.uk/catalogues/information/glossary/
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 op http://www.encyclo.co.uk/webster/T/41
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 op http://www.mondofacto.com/facts/dictionary?theory
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 op http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=theory

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 op http://www.encyclo.co.uk/local/21001
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 op http://thinkexist.com/dictionary/meaning/theory/
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 op http://www.wordinfo.info/words/index/info/view_unit/2136/
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 op http://foldoc.org/theory
Theory
The English word theory was derived from a technical term in Ancient Greek philosophy. The word theoria, θεωρία, meant "a looking at, viewing, beholding", and referring to contemplation or speculation, as opposed to action. Theory is especially often contrasted to "practice" (from Greek praxi...
Found op http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theory
Theory
Proposed explanation for the causal mechanisms responsible for a phenomenon or a set of facts. Also see hypothesis.
Found op http://www.physicalgeography.net/physgeoglos/t.html
Theory
An organized system of ideas that seeks to explain why two or more events are related.
Found op http://www.encyclo.co.uk/local/21198
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 op http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/ent/A0848422.html
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 op http://www.ditext.com/runes/t.html
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 op http://www.medilexicon.com/medicaldictionary.php?t=91206
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 op http://www.talktalk.co.uk/reference/encyclopaedia/hutchinson/m0025292.html
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 op http://www.seafriends.org.nz/books/glossary.htm
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 op http://www.emc.maricopa.edu/faculty/farabee/biobk/biobookglosst.html