The″o‐rem (?), n. [L. theorema, Gr. � a sight, speculation, theory, theorem, fr. � to look at, � a spectator: cf. F. théorème. See Theory.] 1. That which is considered and established as a principle; hence, sometimes, a rule.
Not theories, but theorems (�), the intelligible products of contemplation, intellectual objects in the mind, and of and for the mind exclusively. Coleridge.
By the theorems,
Which your polite and terser gallants practice,
I re-refine the court, and civilize
Their barbarous natures. Massinger.
2. (Math.) A statement of a principle to be demonstrated.
☞ A theorem is something to be proved, and is thus distinguished from a problem, which is something to be solved. In analysis, the term is sometimes applied to a rule, especially a rule or statement of relations expressed in a formula or by symbols; as, the binomial theorem; Taylor's theorem. See the Note under Proposition, n., 5.
Binomial theorem. (Math.) See under Binomial. — Negative theorem, a theorem which expresses the impossibility of any assertion. — Particular theorem(Math.), a theorem which extends only to a particular quantity. — Theorem of Pappus. (Math.) See Centrobaric method, under Centrobaric. — Universal theorem(Math.), a theorem which extends to any quantity without restriction.