Zorn's lemma

noun

\ˈzȯrnz-,

ˈtsȯrnz-

\

Definition of Zorn's lemma

: a lemma in set theory: if a set S is partially ordered and if each subset for which every pair of elements is related by exactly one of the relationships "less than," "equal to," or "greater than" has an upper bound in S, then S contains at least one element for which there is no greater element in S — compare axiom of choice

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about Zorn's lemma

Dictionary Entries near Zorn's lemma

Statistics for Zorn's lemma

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for Zorn's lemma

The first known use of Zorn's lemma was circa 1950

See more words from the same year

Comments on Zorn's lemma

What made you want to look up Zorn's lemma? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

WORD OF THE DAY

linchpin

one that holds something together

Test Your Vocabulary

Words from Greek and Roman Mythology Quiz

Boreal comes from the name of the ancient Greek god of which wind?

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ

SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games