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

Using string theory, in which reality arises from the vibration of impossibly tiny strings, Polchinski developed a theory of objects called D-branes, which serve as the end points for strings that don’t close in on themselves. —Anil Ananthaswamy, Scientific American, 1 Mar. 2023

Numerous physicists joined the S-matrix movement, which produced the S-matrix that would eventually lead to string theory. —Quanta Magazine, 23 May 2024

The particles naturally follow from string theory, a candidate for the fundamental theory of physics. —Lyndie Chiou, Quanta Magazine, 7 May 2024

Instead, in string theory, the energy must either gently fall over the course of billions of years or violently drop to zero or a negative value. —Charlie Wood, Quanta Magazine, 4 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined above