information theory
noun
: a theory that deals statistically with information, with the measurement of its content in terms of its distinguishing essential characteristics or by the number of alternatives from which it makes a choice possible, and with the efficiency of processes of communication between humans and machines
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From Codes to Kisses Since the mid-20th century, mathematicians have relied on the mathematics of information theory and error correction to make headway on problems related to arranging spheres.
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Quanta Magazine, 15 Jan. 2025
Entropy, in information theory, is the measure of uncertainty or unpredictability in a probabilistic system.
—Hamilton Mann, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
The authors came by their number after examining scientific papers about human feats of speed, then applying methods from the field of information theory to calculate how quickly the brain processes thoughts in these situations.
—Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Dec. 2024
In his groundbreaking 1948 paper on information theory, Shannon cited Finnegans Wake as a limit case of informational density.
—Harper's Magazine, 2 Sep. 2024
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Quanta Magazine, 15 Jan. 2025
Entropy, in information theory, is the measure of uncertainty or unpredictability in a probabilistic system.
—Hamilton Mann, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
The authors came by their number after examining scientific papers about human feats of speed, then applying methods from the field of information theory to calculate how quickly the brain processes thoughts in these situations.
—Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Dec. 2024
In his groundbreaking 1948 paper on information theory, Shannon cited Finnegans Wake as a limit case of informational density.
—Harper's Magazine, 2 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for information theory
Cite this Entry
“Information theory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/information%20theory. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.
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