Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Theorem
The′o-rem
,Noun.
[L.
theorema
, Gr. [GREEK] a sight, speculation, theory, theorem, fr. [GREEK] to look at, [GREEK] 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
([GREEK]), the intelligible products of contemplation, intellectual objects in the mind, and of and for the mind exclusively. Coleridge.
By the
Which your polite and terser gallants practice,
I re-refine the court, and civilize
Their barbarous natures.
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.
☞ 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; , 5.
as, the binomial
. See the Note under theorem
; Taylor’s theorem
Proposition
, Noun.
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.
The′o-rem
,Verb.
T.
To formulate into a theorem.
Webster 1828 Edition
Theorem
THE'OREM
,Noun.
1.
In mathematics, a proposition which terminates in theory,and which considers the properties of things already made or done; or it is a speculative proposition deduced from several definitions compared together.A theorem is a proposition to be proved by a chain of reasoning. A theorem is something to be proved; a problem is something to be done.
2.
In algebra or analysis, it is sometimes used to denote a rule, particularly when that rule is expressed by symbols.A universal theorem, extends to any quantity without restriction.
A particular theorem, extends only to a particular quantity.
A negative theorem, expresses the impossibility of any assertion.
A local theorem, is that which relates to a surface.
A solid theorem, is that which considers a space terminated by a solid, that is, by any of the three conic sections.