knot theory
noun
: a branch of topology concerned with the properties and classification of mathematical knots
knot theorist
noun
Examples of knot theory in a Sentence
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Mathematicians have unraveled a key conjecture about knot theory
Scanning the crowd at a fancy soiree may reveal a wide array of neckties, each fastened with a highly complex mathematical object masquerading as fashion.
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Max Springer, Scientific American, 2 Sep. 2025
In the 1980s, mathematicians began to find deep and surprising connections between these equations and other areas of mathematics: in statistical mechanics and the study of phase transitions, in knot theory and string theory, in number theory and representation theory and the study of symmetries.
—Jordana Cepelewicz, Quanta Magazine, 21 Oct. 2024
Contemporary physicists apply knot theory to quantum mechanics and the winding paths that particles take through space-time.
—Matthew Hutson, The New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2023
Quantum computing uses a similarly computationally difficult trick, thanks to knot theory.
—Eric Wolff, Discover Magazine, 13 Dec. 2010
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Max Springer, Scientific American, 2 Sep. 2025
In the 1980s, mathematicians began to find deep and surprising connections between these equations and other areas of mathematics: in statistical mechanics and the study of phase transitions, in knot theory and string theory, in number theory and representation theory and the study of symmetries.
—Jordana Cepelewicz, Quanta Magazine, 21 Oct. 2024
Contemporary physicists apply knot theory to quantum mechanics and the winding paths that particles take through space-time.
—Matthew Hutson, The New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2023
Quantum computing uses a similarly computationally difficult trick, thanks to knot theory.
—Eric Wolff, Discover Magazine, 13 Dec. 2010
Cite this Entry
“Knot theory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/knot%20theory. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.
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