The"o*rem , v. t. To formulate into a theorem.
The"o*rem (?), n. [L. theorema, Gr. &?; a sight, speculation, theory, theorem, fr. &?; to look at, &?;
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
(&?;), 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.
&fist; 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, n., 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.
Hear it pronounced