string theory

noun

|Updated on: 20 Jul 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

And unlike the standard theory of gravity, string theory can describe its interactions mathematically without getting strange infinities.

— lorenzo bianchi, Newsweek, "Was This Stephen Hawking's Theory of Everything?," 19 Mar. 2018
To date, there is no evidence that either string theory, inflation or the landscape is correct.

— dennis overbye, New York Times, "Joseph Polchinski, 63, Leading Theorist on Multiple Universes, Dies," 7 Feb. 2018
Several approaches to quantum gravity—most of all, string theory—now see entanglement as crucial.

— george musser, Scientific American, "What Is Spacetime?," 8 May 2018
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

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.