information theory

noun

: a theory that deals statistically with information, with the measurement of its content in terms of its distinguishing essential characteristics or by the number of alternatives from which it makes a choice possible, and with the efficiency of processes of communication between humans and machines

Examples of information theory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Renato Renner, head of the research group for quantum information theory at ETH Zurich and someone who has also worked on the Wigner’s-friend paradox, is enthusiastic about this use of a quantum-mechanical AI. —

Anil Ananthaswamy, Scientific American, 25 June 2024 Another Bush doctoral student, Claude Shannon, joined Bell Labs and founded information theory. —

IEEE Spectrum, 18 June 2024 Seth has also studied integrated information theory, which associates consciousness not with the brain’s function but with its complex networked structure. —

George Musser, Scientific American, 19 Mar. 2024 The professor of statistics and electrical engineering advised Goldsmith to apply her mathematical knowledge to either communications or information theory. —

IEEE Spectrum, 23 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for information theory

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'information theory.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1945, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of information theory was in 1945

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Information theory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/information%20theory. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.

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