unified field theory

American  

noun

Physics.

1. electroweak theory.

2. any field theory, especially Einstein's, that attempts to combine the gravitational and electromagnetic fields in a single mathematical framework, thus extending the general theory of relativity.

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unified field theory British  

noun

1. any theory capable of describing in one set of equations the properties of gravitational fields, electromagnetic fields, and strong and weak nuclear interactions. No satisfactory theory has yet been found

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unified field theory Scientific  

/ yo̅o̅′nə-fīd′ /

1. A theory that unites and explains the basic forces of nature (strong, electroweak, and gravitational forces) as manifestations of a single physical principle. No unified field theory that has been proposed so far has gained broad acceptance.

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unified field theory Cultural  

1. Any theory in which two seemingly different forces are seen to be fundamentally identical. Maxwell's equations express a unified field theory that demonstrates the basic identity of electricity and magnetism, and the standard model postulates a basic identity for the strong force, the weak force, and electromagnetism.

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Example Sentences

The name of their elephant is unified field theory.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 9, 2026

As she got older, that percentage got higher and higher, until at last, on her deathbed, it seemed to max out just shy of a unified field theory of loitering.

From Slate • Aug. 27, 2022

He says, "I've got a unified field theory."

From Salon • Apr. 25, 2022

He thereby set out to find a mechanistic, unified field theory that would supersede quantum mechanics.

From Scientific American • Nov. 13, 2017

I don't imagine so, but he's the head of electronics and I know he's been working on the unified field theory just as a hobby.

From All That Goes Up by Brooks, Kirby