catastrophe theory
noun
: mathematical theory and conjecture that uses topology to explain events (such as an earthquake or a stock market crash) characterized by major abrupt changes
Examples of catastrophe theory in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Spencer Wells implicitly endorses this reality by his tacit support for the Toba catastrophe theory.
—
Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 5 Nov. 2010
Vogel reports that Stanley Ambrose of the University of Illinois, one of the originators of the Toba catastrophe theory, argues that layers of sand above the ash indicates climate change at the Pinnacles site and a decrease in population.
—Jason Daley, Smithsonian, 14 Mar. 2018
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.
Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 5 Nov. 2010
Vogel reports that Stanley Ambrose of the University of Illinois, one of the originators of the Toba catastrophe theory, argues that layers of sand above the ash indicates climate change at the Pinnacles site and a decrease in population.
—Jason Daley, Smithsonian, 14 Mar. 2018
Dictionary Entries Near catastrophe theory
Cite this Entry
“Catastrophe theory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catastrophe%20theory. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share