knot theory
noun
: a branch of topology concerned with the properties and classification of mathematical knots
knot theorist
noun
Examples of knot theory in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In the 1980s, mathematicians began to find deep and surprising connections between these equations and other areas of mathematics: in statistical mechanics and the study of phase transitions, in knot theory and string theory, in number theory and representation theory and the study of symmetries.
—
Jordana Cepelewicz, Quanta Magazine, 21 Oct. 2024
Contemporary physicists apply knot theory to quantum mechanics and the winding paths that particles take through space-time.
—Matthew Hutson, The New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2023
In one noteworthy discovery, deep learning helped mathematicians develop a formula related to knot theory, the study of 3D curves that cannot be untangled.
—Jonathan Vanian, Fortune, 8 Dec. 2021
Quantum computing uses a similarly computationally difficult trick, thanks to knot theory.
—Eric Wolff, Discover Magazine, 13 Dec. 2010
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jordana Cepelewicz, Quanta Magazine, 21 Oct. 2024
Contemporary physicists apply knot theory to quantum mechanics and the winding paths that particles take through space-time.
—Matthew Hutson, The New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2023
In one noteworthy discovery, deep learning helped mathematicians develop a formula related to knot theory, the study of 3D curves that cannot be untangled.
—Jonathan Vanian, Fortune, 8 Dec. 2021
Quantum computing uses a similarly computationally difficult trick, thanks to knot theory.
—Eric Wolff, Discover Magazine, 13 Dec. 2010
Cite this Entry
“Knot theory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/knot%20theory. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share