theory (redirected from theories)

theory /the·o·ry/ (the´o-re)

1. the doctrine or the principles underlying an art as distinguished from the practice of that particular art.

2. a formulated hypothesis or, loosely speaking, any hypothesis or opinion not based upon actual knowledge.

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cell theory  all organic matter consists of cells, and cell activity is the essential process of life.

clonal deletion theory  a theory of immunologic self-tolerance according to which “forbidden clones” of immunocytes, those reactive with self antigens, are eliminated on contact with antigen during fetal life.

clonal selection theory  there are several million clones of antibody-producing cells in each adult, each programmed to make an antibody of a single specificity and carrying cell-surface receptors for specific antigens; exposure to antigen induces cells with receptors for that antigen to proliferate and produce large quantities of specific antibody.

information theory  a system for analyzing, chiefly by statistical methods, the characteristics of communicated messages and the systems that encode, transmit, distort, receive, and decode them.

overflow theory  one similar to the underfilling theory but which proposes that the primary event in ascites formation is sodium and water retention with portal hypertension resulting; plasma volume expansion to the point of overflow from the hepatic sinusoids then causes ascites formation.

quantum theory  radiation and absorption of energy occur in quantities (quanta) which vary in size with the frequency of the radiation.

recapitulation theory  ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny, i.e., an organism in the course of its development goes through the same successive stages (in abbreviated form) as did the species in its evolutionary development.

underfilling theory  a theory that ascites associated with portal hypertension causes hypovolemia and so both a lowering of portal pressure and retention of sodium and water. The higher sodium concentration causes increases in the plasma volume and portal pressure, and the subsequent formation of ascites renews the cycle.

Young-Helmholtz theory  color vision depends on three sets of retinal receptors, corresponding to the colors red, green, and violet.

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the·o·ry (th-r, thîr)

n.

1. A systematically organized body of knowledge applicable in a relatively wide variety of circumstances, especially a system of assumptions, accepted principles, and rules of procedure devised to analyze, predict, or otherwise explain the nature or behavior of a specified set of phenomena.

2. Abstract reasoning; speculation.

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theory,

n 1., a belief that explains phenomena and provides a certain course of action.
2., an explanation of phenomena; supported by repeated observation and experimentation.

Theory, gate control.

theory, dynamic energy systems,

n umbrella term for many contemporary energy theories.

theory, entrainment,

n the idea that rhythms within the body harmonize with one another. In cranial manipulation, this applies to signals that influence one another—often the stronger coaxing the weaker into its cadence—to create the cranial rhythmic impulse. Cranial treatments can be equated with the stronger signal, which can pull weaker signals into more healthy rhythms. See also cranial rhythmic impulse.

theory, five phases,

n in traditional Chinese medicine, a complex theory of five phases—wood, fire, earth, metal, and water—that are connected to the organs of the body. Treatments can be determined by the interaction of the phases.

Theory, five phases.

theory, gate-control,

n hypothesis that describes a pain gate-control theory that postulates a control “gate,” through which afferent nerve impulses pass. In theory, pain impulses can be blocked at the “gate” by delivering pressure through rubbing, massage, or other stimulation.

theory, grounded,

n a method of qualitative research in which valid theories that match experiential data and are derived from localized practices are developed by interviewing and observing research subjects.

theory, memory-of-water,

n a theory that the structure of water-alcohol solutions used in homeopathy is changed by the remedy during dilution and succussion and that the changed structure is maintained even after the chemical aspects of the remedy have been diluted away.

theory, object relations,

n in psychology, a theory postulating that human relations are foundational and primary for the development of an individual's personality and are the principle influence for later relations with others. Psychologic philosophy that holds that human self-structure is internalized during childhood through the process of relating to people and treasured objects; these experiences create a blueprint for forming and maintaining subsequent relationships.
Psychopathology is the term used in object relations practice to describe expressions of negative self-object experiences from childhood that are being reenacted and worked out in the patient's current relationships. Psychotherapy is the proposed path for resolution of self-defeating relational patterns so that patients may mature and eventually self-actualize.

theory, pain-gate,

n a theory of pain control used to explain the analgesic effects of acupressure and acupuncture. Stimulation of sensory nerve fibers closes the “pain gates,” thereby inhibiting transmission of pain signals from afferent neurons to the brain.

theory, personal construct,

n a set of beliefs, according to which each individual forms hypotheses about the world, tests these theories against the reality of his or her own experiences and modifies them as necessary.

theory, reflectorial effect (rē·flek·tōrˑ·ē·l i·fektˑ thēˑ··rē),

n in aromatherapy, theory that states that odors considered pleasant by a patient will allow the person to feel happier and positive and perform tasks in an efficient manner.

theory, sliding-filament,

n theory of the sliding movements of muscle fibers to shorten or lengthen a muscle.

theory, systemic-effect,

n in aromatherapy, theory that states that an odor functions much like a neurotransmitter and that therefore specific ailments can be treated using specific odors. Also called
lock and key theory of odors.

theory, systems,

n a model of medical care that attempts to take the myriad complex parts of health care and integrate them into a sum greater than its components. Each subsystem in this model is complete in itself while having a place in the larger system.

theory, triadic (trī·aˑ·dik thēˑ··rē),

n in Tibetan medicine, the three functions of the mind—chi, schara, and badahan—a practitioner uses to establish the patient's psychosomatic type and to diagnose, treat, and prevent a medical condition. See also chi, schara, and badahan.

theory, weak-quantum,

n a modifi-cation of quantum theory; postulates the resistance of macro-entanglement that involves consciousness and that may account for anomalous, transpersonal, and healing phenomena.

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theory (thē´rē),

n an opinion or hypothesis not based on actual knowledge.

theory, Prothero “cone,”

n.pr See retention.

theory, quantum,

n the theory that in emission or absorption of energy by atoms or molecules, the process is not continuous but takes place by steps, each step being the emission or absorption of an amount of energy called a
quantum.

theory, somatotype,

n the theory of W. H. Sheldon, suggesting that body structure is correlated with certain temperaments and predisposes to mental disorders.

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theory

1. the doctrine or the principles underlying an art as distinguished from the practice of that particular art.

2. a formulated hypothesis or, loosely speaking, any hypothesis or opinion not based upon actual knowledge.

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cell theory

all organic matter consists of cells, and cell activity is the essential process of life.

recapitulation theory

see recapitulation theory.

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theory A hypothesis or explanation of a phenomenon based on available data Statistics A general statement predicting, explaining, or describing the relationships among a number of constructs