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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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 One bulwark of information theory is the notion of entropy. —

IEEE Spectrum, 23 Aug. 2021 Introduction Contributing Writer December 13, 2024 fundamental physics history of science information theory physics statistical physics thermodynamics All topics (opens a new tab) ife is an anthology of destruction. —

Zack Savitsky, Quanta Magazine, 13 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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Style

“Information theory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/information%20theory. Accessed 13 Jan. 2025.

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