string theory

noun

: a theory in physics: all elementary particles are manifestations of the vibrations of one-dimensional strings

Examples of string theory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In addition to the four familiar dimensions—three infinitely large spatial dimensions plus one of time—string theory suggests that there are six exceedingly tiny spatial dimensions. Steve Nadis, WIRED, 25 Feb. 2024 At the moment, string theory seems to be the most promising way forward. Adam Frank, Discover Magazine, 12 July 2023 But if a dark graviton leaked into one of string theory’s tiny dimensions, its wavelength would be exceedingly short and its mass and energy very high. Steve Nadis, Quanta Magazine, 1 Feb. 2024 The type of string theory that Borcherds investigated can only be mathematically formulated in 25 spatial dimensions. Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 5 Feb. 2024 In addition to the four familiar dimensions — three infinitely large spatial dimensions plus one of time — string theory suggests that there are six exceedingly tiny spatial dimensions. Steve Nadis, Quanta Magazine, 1 Feb. 2024 Some of the higher-dimensional spaces now called Calabi-Yau spaces proved fundamental to string theory. Pamela Weintraub, Discover Magazine, 28 June 2023 Beginning threads Like most revolutions, string theory had humble origins. Paul Sutter, Ars Technica, 27 Jan. 2023 The initiative allows people across different theoretical disciplines (from string theory to quantum gravity to mathematical physics) to communicate and collaborate. Swapna Krishna, WIRED, 28 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'string 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

1973, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of string theory was in 1973

Dictionary Entries Near string theory

Cite this Entry

“String theory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/string%20theory. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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