The·o·rem n.
1. That which is considered and established as a principle; hence, sometimes, a rule.
Not theories, but theorems (░), the intelligible products of contemplation, intellectual objects in the mind, and of and for the mind exclusively. --Coleridge.
By the theorems,
Which your polite and terser gallants practice,
I re-refine the court, and civilize
Their barbarous natures. --Massinger.
2. Math. A statement of a principle to be demonstrated.
Note: ☞ A theorem is something to be proved, and is thus distinguished from a problem, which is something to be solved. In analysis, the term is sometimes applied to a rule, especially a rule or statement of relations expressed in a formula or by symbols; as, the binomial theorem; Taylor's theorem. See the Note under Proposition, n., 5.
Binomial theorem. Math. See under Binomial.
Negative theorem, a theorem which expresses the impossibility of any assertion.
Particular theorem Math., a theorem which extends only to a particular quantity.
Theorem of Pappus. Math. See Centrobaric method, under Centrobaric.
Universal theorem Math., a theorem which extends to any quantity without restriction.