axiom of choice

noun phrase

: an axiom in set theory that is equivalent to Zorn's lemma: for every collection of nonempty sets there is a function which chooses an element from each set

Examples of axiom of choice in a Sentence

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These cardinals, crucially, don’t violate the axiom of choice. Gregory Barber, Quanta Magazine, 20 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of axiom of choice was in 1919

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Cite this Entry

“Axiom of choice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/axiom%20of%20choice. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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