thought experiment

noun

Examples of thought experiment in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Amazon's approach involves using what are called cat qubits, named after the famous Schrödinger's cat thought experiment in which a cat in a box that's not visible from outside can be considered dead and alive simultaneously. New Atlas, 28 Feb. 2025 Without empirical evidence, or perhaps even the possibility of it, quantum gravity researchers seem to give more weight than usual to principles, thought experiments, even qualities like simplicity and elegance. Amanda Gefter, Quanta Magazine, 25 Sep. 2024 Recall the Schrödinger’s cat thought experiment, in which a cat exists in a superposition of states, both dead and alive. Hartmut Neven, Scientific American, 8 Aug. 2024 What that thought experiment shows is that children in the fluoridated community face a higher level of risk. Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 28 May 2024 See All Example Sentences for thought experiment

Word History

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of thought experiment was in 1854

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Cite this Entry

“Thought experiment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thought%20experiment. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

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