gauge theory

[ geyj theer-ee ]

noun

, Physics.

1. a type of field theory that describes elementary particles and their interactions:

   gauge theories involving nonlinear differential equations.

gauge theory

noun

1. physics a type of theory of elementary particles designed to explain the strong, weak, and electromagnetic interactions in terms of exchange of virtual particles

Word History and Origins

Origin of gauge theory¹

First recorded in 1965–70