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

Examples of information 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.
His work lies at the interface of math, statistics, information theory, signal processing and scientific computing. Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 7 Nov. 2024 Jane Gould is a transportation planner from Northern California with a background in information theory. Sue Saunders, The Mercury News, 15 Oct. 2024 In the nineteen-forties and fifties, the two strands of research came together in the work of Claude Shannon, a founder of information theory. Jill Lepore, The New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2024 For instance, could quantum theory be a kind of generalization of probability theory and information theory, divorced from applications to atoms? Quanta Magazine, 12 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for information theory 

Word History

First Known Use

1945, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of information theory was in 1945

Dictionary Entries Near information theory

Cite this Entry

“Information theory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/information%20theory. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on information theory

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!