4 entries found for Hypothesis.

hy·poth·e·sis    ( P )  Pronunciation Key  (h-pth-ss) n. pl. hy·poth·e·ses (-sz) A tentative explanation for an observation, phenomenon, or scientific problem that can be tested by further investigation. Something taken to be true for the purpose of argument or investigation; an assumption. The antecedent of a conditional statement.   [Latin, subject for a speech, from Greek hupothesis, proposal, supposition, from hupotithenai, hupothe-, to suppose  : hupo-, hypo- + tithenai, to place; see dh- in Indo-European Roots.]

Hypothesis

\Hy*poth"e*sis\, n.; pl. Hypotheses. [NL., fr. Gr. ? foundation, supposition, fr. ? to place under, ? under + ? to put. See Hypo-, Thesis.] 1. A supposition; a proposition or principle which is supposed or taken for granted, in order to draw a conclusion or inference for proof of the point in question; something not proved, but assumed for the purpose of argument, or to account for a fact or an occurrence; as, the hypothesis that head winds detain an overdue steamer.

An hypothesis being a mere supposition, there are no other limits to hypotheses than those of the human imagination. --J. S. Mill.

2. (Natural Science) A tentative theory or supposition provisionally adopted to explain certain facts, and to guide in the investigation of others; hence, frequently called a working hypothesis.

Syn: Supposition; assumption. See Theory.

Nebular hypothesis. See under Nebular.

Hypothesis

n 1: a proposal intended to explain certain facts or observations 2: a concept that is not yet verified but that if true would explain certain facts or phenomena; "he proposed a fresh theory of alkalis that later was accepted in chemical practices" [syn: possibility, theory] 3: a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence [syn: guess, conjecture, supposition, surmise, speculation]