field theory

noun

, Physics.

1. a detailed mathematical description of the distribution and movement of matter under the influence of one or more fields.

field theory

1. An explicit mathematical description of physical phenomena that models physical forces using fields.
2. The study of fields and field extensions in algebra.

Word History and Origins

Origin of field theory¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

For a start, it is a purely classical idea that makes little sense in terms of a more fundamental approach such as quantum field theory.

From Nautilus

In a 2013 paper, philosopher Mostyn Jones reviewed various field theories of consciousness, still a minority school of thought in the field but growing.

From Nautilus

He grasped early on, at a time when this was in no way apparent, that the “quantum” in quantum field theory is something that we geometers need to engage with directly and incorporate into our mathematics.

From Quanta Magazine

I happened to attend some physics lectures, and that got me involved with this project of understanding how quantum field theory worked and whether it could be applied to the strong interaction.

From Quanta Magazine

Crucially, it’s missing the force of gravity, which quantum field theory can’t fully handle.

From Quanta Magazine

It may be possible, but it will have to wait the unified field theory.

From The Daily Beast

Einstein's 'Field Theory' practically proves it on the mathematical side.

From Project Gutenberg