an abstract or general idea inferred or derived from specific instances

a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena

concerned primarily with theories or hypotheses rather than practical considerations

someone who theorizes (especially in science or art)

someone who theorizes (especially in science or art)

to believe especially on uncertain or tentative grounds

to believe especially on uncertain or tentative grounds

a hypothetical possibility, circumstance, statement, proposal, situation, etc.

the physically discrete element that Darwin proposed as responsible for heredity

a hypothetical description of a complex entity or process

a hypothesis that has been formed by speculating or conjecturing (usually with little hard evidence)

a hypothesis that is taken for granted

a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena