theory

the·o·ry

noun \ˈthē-ə-rē, ˈthi(-ə)r-ē\

plural the·o·ries

Definition of THEORY

1

: the general or abstract principles of a body of fact, a science, or an art <the theory and practice of medicine>

2

: a plausible or scientifically acceptable general principle or body of principles offered to explain natural phenomena <a theory of organic evolution>—see atomic theory, cell theory, germ theory

3

: a working hypothesis that is considered probable based on experimental evidence or factual or conceptual analysis and is accepted as a basis for experimentation

—the·o·ret·i·cal \ˌthē-ə-ˈret-i-kəl, ˌthi(ə)r-ˈet-\ also the·o·ret·ic \-ik\ adjective

—the·o·ret·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb