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.
The"o*rem, v. t. To formulate into a
theorem.