string theory

American  

noun

Physics.

1. string3

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string theory Scientific  

/ strĭng /

1. Any of various theories in physics hypothesizing that space-time has more than four dimensions, and that some of the dimensions are exceedingly small and stringlike in shape. Elementary particles in string theory are understood as standing waves in such space-time strings, rather than as pointlike objects. String theories attempt to unify gravity with the other fundamental forces.

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string theory Cultural  

1. In physics, a theory that views subatomic particles as string-like objects floating in space-time rather than as point-like objects. Space-time in string theory can have up to nine dimensions of space, plus the dimension of time.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

string theory

"The original discovery of the Veneziano spectrum, and John Schwarz's work, took a similar approach. They didn't start with string theory models but rather the solutions came out of basic principles."

From Science Daily ● May 19, 2026

That discovery created one of the first meaningful links between string theory and general relativity.

From Science Daily ● May 19, 2026

Until this hypothetical key to the mysteries puts a bow on string theory and reconciles quantum and classical mechanics, don’t bother.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 9, 2026

Dr. Djordje Minic, a professor of physics and particle and string theory at the University of Texas at Austin, isn’t so sure about these conclusions.

From Salon ● Nov. 13, 2024

Because science is based upon observation and experiment, some critics argue that string theory is not science but philosophy.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife