theory /thēˈə-ri/

1. An explanation or system of anything
2. An exposition of the abstract principles of a science or art
3. An idea or explanation that has not yet been proved, a conjecture
4. Speculation as opposed to practice
5. An ideal, hypothetical or abstract situation, esp in the phrase in theory
6. Ideal, hypothetical or abstract reasoning

theoretˈic or theoretˈical adjective

1. Based on, or relating, according, or given to, theory
2. Not practical
3. Speculative

theoretˈic noun

(usu in pl) the speculative aspects of a science

theoretˈically adverb

theoretician /-ə-tishˈən/ noun

A person who is concerned chiefly with the theoretical aspect of a subject

theˈoric or theˈorique noun (Shakespeare)

Theory, speculation

theˈorist noun

1. A theorizer
2. A person given to theory and speculation, to the invention of theories
3. A person who is expert in the abstract principles of a subject

theorizāˈtion or theorisāˈtion noun

theˈorize or theˈorise intransitive verb

1. To form a theory
2. To form opinions solely by theories
3. To speculate

theˈorizer or theˈoriser noun

theoretical plate noun (chem eng)

A concept, used in distillation design, of a plate in which the vapour and liquid leaving the plate are in equilibrium with each other

theˈory-laden adjective

(of a term, concept, etc) meaningful only within the context of a particular theory, and implying acceptance of that theory

theory of everything noun (physics)

A comprehensive theory, yet to be satisfactorily formulated, that is believed will explain all known physical phenomena in quantum terms, possible candidates for the designation being the twistor theory and string theory (abbrev TOE)

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