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

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This figure was introduced by computer scientist Claude Shannon, the inventor of information theory. Nuno Fernandes, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025 Classical information theory, developed by the telecommunications researcher Claude Shannon in the 1940s and later elaborated by the Russian mathematician Andrey Kolmogorov, offers one answer. Quanta Magazine, 2 Apr. 2025 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. 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 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

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Cite this Entry

“Information theory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/information%20theory. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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