Theory

(the'o-re.) [Same der iv.) A word opposed to fact, or matter of fact, and signifying that a certain cla of facts have been generalized and brought into a single comprehensive statement. It thus corresponds to a principle, general truth, or law of nature.- T. is also opposed to practice. The T. of a subject is the knowledge or explanation of it; the practice is making some use of it. Physiology is T.; Physic, or Medicine, is practice. [s. 891]