knot theory
noun
: a branch of topology concerned with the properties and classification of mathematical knots
knot theorist
noun
Examples of knot theory in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Ribbon knots, like the optimal trefoil knot, are used to model DNA in molecular biology, while providing a gateway to more abstract questions investigated in the area of knot theory.
—
Kevin Hartnett, Quanta Magazine, 5 Jan. 2024
For most of their history, tie knots and knot theory developed in parallel.
—Matthew Hutson, The New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2023
Contemporary physicists apply knot theory to quantum mechanics and the winding paths that particles take through space-time.
—Matthew Hutson, The New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2023
With its suggestion of elegant simplicity within the world of knots, it’s become one of the most high-profile problems in knot theory.
—Leila Sloman, Quanta Magazine, 2 Feb. 2023
Quantum computing uses a similarly computationally difficult trick, thanks to knot theory.
—Eric Wolff, Discover Magazine, 13 Dec. 2010
This idea was behind one of the biggest recent results in knot theory.
—Quanta Magazine, 31 Oct. 2022
In one noteworthy discovery, deep learning helped mathematicians develop a formula related to knot theory, the study of 3D curves that cannot be untangled.
—Jonathan Vanian, Fortune, 8 Dec. 2021
The reason this method should work comes down to the math of knot theory.
—Eugenia Cheng, WSJ, 8 July 2021
Kevin Hartnett, Quanta Magazine, 5 Jan. 2024
For most of their history, tie knots and knot theory developed in parallel.
—Matthew Hutson, The New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2023
Contemporary physicists apply knot theory to quantum mechanics and the winding paths that particles take through space-time.
—Matthew Hutson, The New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2023
With its suggestion of elegant simplicity within the world of knots, it’s become one of the most high-profile problems in knot theory.
—Leila Sloman, Quanta Magazine, 2 Feb. 2023
Quantum computing uses a similarly computationally difficult trick, thanks to knot theory.
—Eric Wolff, Discover Magazine, 13 Dec. 2010
This idea was behind one of the biggest recent results in knot theory.
—Quanta Magazine, 31 Oct. 2022
In one noteworthy discovery, deep learning helped mathematicians develop a formula related to knot theory, the study of 3D curves that cannot be untangled.
—Jonathan Vanian, Fortune, 8 Dec. 2021
The reason this method should work comes down to the math of knot theory.
—Eugenia Cheng, WSJ, 8 July 2021
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'knot theory.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near knot theory
Cite this Entry
“Knot theory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/knot%20theory. Accessed 30 Oct. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share