set theory

American  

noun

1. the branch of mathematics that deals with relations between sets.

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set theory British  

noun

1. maths the branch of mathematics concerned with the properties and interrelationships of sets

2. logic a theory constructed within first-order logic that yields the mathematical theory of classes, esp one that distinguishes sets from proper classes as a means of avoiding certain paradoxes

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Etymology

Origin of set theory

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

The most famous example of undecidability in set theory is CH.

From Scientific American • Aug. 16, 2021

Dehn’s concepts of harmonic intervals, topology and set theory entered her work; Ms. Rockburne started thinking of artworks as “visual equations.”

From New York Times • Aug. 8, 2018

The same applies, I think, to the continuum hypothesis in set theory.

From Scientific American • Jul. 7, 2018

Initially, Ms. Rockburne was inspired by set theory, a branch of mathematical logic.

From New York Times • May 4, 2018

Let me tell you, it is hard to care much about set theory when there are twelve trays of brown, light, perfect cream puffs cooling deliciously on a shelf back in your own classroom.

From "The Wednesday Wars" by Gary D. Schmidt