string theory

noun

|Updated on: 8 Jun 2018

Definition of string theory

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

Recent Examples of string theory from the Web

This unfinished task, to which string theory also aspires, is part of physicists’ quest for a theory of everything.

— priyamvada natarajan, WSJ, "‘The Order of Time’ Review: Stop All the Clocks," 1 June 2018
But instead of a single solution to this and other fundamental scientific questions, string theory’s equations seem to have a staggering number of possible solutions (perhaps as many as 10^500 — that’s a one followed by 500 zeros).

— dan falk /, NBC News, "What is the multiverse?," 22 May 2018
Borrowing a concept from string theory, Hawking and Hertog argue that there is no eternal inflation and only one universe.

— adrian cho, Science | AAAS, "Stephen Hawking’s (almost) last paper: putting an end to the beginning of the universe," 2 May 2018
Talkington watched as the lone female scientist in a panel discussion on string theory was given little to no room to speak.

— michael mcgough, sacbee, "Woodland-native actress may make history with upcoming NCIS guest appearance | The Sacramento Bee," 14 Apr. 2018
The episode opens with Sheldon getting a letter from Dr. Wolcott, a genius mathematician who believes Sheldon’s work on string theory can help him unlock the secrets of time.

— tyler mccarthy, Fox News, "'Big Bang Theory Season 11, Episode 20 recap: Amy struggles with her bachelorette party," 12 Apr. 2018
Whereas Isaac dedicated his life to pure math, Philip is a theoretical physicist obsessed with his place in the history of string theory.

— bethanne patrick, Philly.com, "'Isaac Severy': Hilarious novel about family, death, madness - and math," 4 Apr. 2018
To put it crudely, do cosmology and the geometry of string theory really matter when the pressing task is boosting development or tackling social problems on the African continent?

— The Economist, "An ambitious African-science project is getting into its stride," 5 Apr. 2018
However, as often happens with scientific research, the history of string theory is characterized by ups and downs.

— lorenzo bianchi, Newsweek, "Was This Stephen Hawking's Theory of Everything?," 19 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'string theory.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.