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set theory
noun
: a branch of mathematics or of symbolic logic that deals with the nature and relations of sets
set theoretic
adjective
Examples of set theory in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Each has its own language, uniquely suited to exploring heady topics like set theory, topology, and astronomy.
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Grace Edquist, Vogue, 25 Nov. 2024
But the viewer doesn’t need to know a thing about set theory to find her organization of lines and angles beautiful.
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Grace Edquist, Vogue, 25 Nov. 2024
Zermelo introduced the axiom of choice because the eight axioms of the Zermelo-Fraenkel set theory were not powerful enough and could not be used to construct a selection function.
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Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 1 Oct. 2024
An Alternative Mathematics Some experts were therefore determined to reject the axiom of choice and instead work only with the eight fundamental truths of Zermelo-Fraenkel set theory.
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Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 1 Oct. 2024
The foundation of mathematics continues to rely on set theory.
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Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 15 Aug. 2024
Causal set theory, another contender for a theory of quantum gravity, posits that space and time are made of more fundamental components as well.
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Adam Becker, Scientific American, 1 Feb. 2022
The first person to harness this power was Georg Cantor, the founder of the mathematical subfield of set theory.
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WIRED, 29 Oct. 2023
Maggie Koerth-Baker on what Christian fundamentalists have against set theory.
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Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 11 Aug. 2012
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Word History
First Known Use
1936, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near set theory
Cite this Entry
“Set theory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/set%20theory. Accessed 7 Feb. 2025.
Kids Definition
set theory
noun
: a branch of mathematics that deals with sets and with relations between sets
set-theoretic
adjective
-ˌthē-ə-ˈret-ik
More from Merriam-Webster on set theory
Britannica English: Translation of set theory for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about set theory
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