scientific theory

American  

[sahy-uhn-tif-ik theer-ee, thee-uh-ree] / ˈsaɪ ənˌtɪf ɪk ˈθɪər i, ˈθi ə ri /

noun

1. a coherent group of propositions formulated to explain a group of facts or phenomena in the natural world and repeatedly confirmed through experiment or observation.

   the scientific theory of evolution.

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Usage

What is a scientific theory? A scientific theory is a well-tested, broad explanation of a natural phenomenon.In everyday life, we often use the word theory to mean a hypothesis or educated guess, but a theory in the context of science is not simply a guess—it is an explanation based on extensive and repeated experimentation. And it’s not the job of theories to become facts—they use available facts to make sense of a broad concept.Scientific theories explain some of the most familiar and complex phenomena. A few of the best-known scientific theories are the theory of gravity, the theory of evolution, and the theory of relativity.

Etymology

Origin of scientific theory

First recorded in 1755–65

Example Sentences

This milestone paves the way for future research that could deepen our understanding of the universe's evolution -- or even challenge current scientific theories.

From Science Daily

What do you think of the various scientific theories about how we could deflect or otherwise protect ourselves from near-Earth objects?

From Salon

Current scientific theories of memory formation suggest that short-term memories are stored in what we can imagine as a temporary art exhibition in our brain before being cleared out for representations of new experiences.

From Science Daily

While teaching creationism as a scientific theory is banned in England, the promotion of creationism is not prohibited in schools in Wales.

From BBC

A new paper published in The Quarterly Review of Biology examines the question of what Darwinism is and how its nonscientific uses relate to the scientific theory of evolution.

From Science Daily