string theory

noun

: a theory in physics: all elementary particles are manifestations of the vibrations of one-dimensional strings

Examples of string theory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

But another idea called string theory also proposes a series of particles with the same mathematical structure as the original axion; these particles have come to be called axionlike. —

Chanda Prescod-Weinstein, Scientific American, 1 Apr. 2022 While in high school, Jha was chosen to take part in the highly selective National Physics Olympiad program, which exposed him to more advanced concepts like general relativity, string theory and quantum mechanics. —

Ernestine Siu, CNBC, 12 Jan. 2025 The first is to use tools from string theory, which treats the elementary particles of nature as vibrating strings. —

Edgar Shaghoulian, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2022 The problem is that string theory describes many different versions of reality. —

Tom Siegfried, Discover Magazine, 29 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for string theory

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of string theory was in 1973

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“String theory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/string%20theory. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.

Copy Citation