theory
n 1: an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a
variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of
phenomena; "true in fact and theory"
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: {hypothesis}, {possibility}]
3: a belief that can guide behavior; "the architect has a
theory that more is less"; "they killed him on the theory
that dead men tell no tales"