Godel's theorem

noun

Go·del's theorem ˈgō-dəlz-

ˈgər-,

ˈgœ-

: a theorem in advanced logic: in any logical system as complex as or more complex than the arithmetic of the integers there can always be found either a statement which can be shown to be both true and false or a statement whose truth or falsity cannot be deduced from other statements in the system

called also Godel's incompleteness theorem

Word History

Etymology

Kurt Gödel †1978 American mathematician

First Known Use

1933, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of Godel's theorem was in 1933

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Godel's theorem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Godel%27s%20theorem. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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