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set theory
noun
: a branch of mathematics or of symbolic logic that deals with the nature and relations of sets
set theoretic
adjective
Examples of set theory in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The foundation of mathematics continues to rely on set theory.
—Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 15 Aug. 2024
Causal set theory, another contender for a theory of quantum gravity, posits that space and time are made of more fundamental components as well.
—Adam Becker, Scientific American, 1 Feb. 2022
The first person to harness this power was Georg Cantor, the founder of the mathematical subfield of set theory.
—WIRED, 29 Oct. 2023
Maggie Koerth-Baker on what Christian fundamentalists have against set theory.
—Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 11 Aug. 2012
His first major paper, published in 1925, set about refurbishing set theory along clean, logical lines.
—Samanth Subramanian, The New Republic, 8 Mar. 2022
Mathematicians and computer scientists had an exciting year of breakthroughs in set theory, topology and artificial intelligence, in addition to preserving fading knowledge and revisiting old questions.
—Quanta Magazine, 23 Dec. 2021
There are many different ways to construct the disjoint union using the axioms of set theory, which will not produce exactly the same set but will, necessarily, produce isomorphic ones.
—Emily Riehl, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2021
The most famous example of undecidability in set theory is CH.
—Martin Goldstern, Scientific American, 16 Aug. 2021
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'set 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
1936, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near set theory
Cite this Entry
“Set theory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/set%20theory. Accessed 4 Oct. 2024.
Kids Definition
set theory
noun
: a branch of mathematics that deals with sets and with relations between sets
set-theoretic
adjective
-ˌthē-ə-ˈret-ik
More from Merriam-Webster on set theory
Britannica English: Translation of set theory for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about set theory
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