Theorem \The"o*rem\, n. [L. theorema, Gr. ? a sight,
speculation, theory, theorem, fr. ? to look at, ? a
spectator: cf. F. th['e]or[`e]me. 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.
Note: 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.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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