knot theory
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.knot theory
nounDefinition of KNOT THEORY
: a branch of topology concerned with the properties and classification of mathematical knots
— knot theorist noun
First Known Use of KNOT THEORY
1981
knot theory
noun (Concise Encyclopedia)Mathematical theory of closed curves in three-dimensional space. The number of times and the manner in which a curve crosses itself distinguish different knots. The fewest possible crossings is three, for the overhand (trefoil) knot, which occurs in two mirror versions according to the directions in which the curve crosses itself. Knot theory has been used to understand both atomic and molecular structures (protein folding).
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