\The"o*rem\, n. [L. theorema, Gr. ? a sight,
speculation, theory, theorem, fr. ? to look at, ? a
spectator: cf. F. th['e]or[`e]me. See {Theory}.]
1. That which is considered and established as a principle;
   hence, sometimes, a rule.
         Not theories, but theorems (?), the intelligible
         products of contemplation, intellectual objects in
         the mind, and of and for the mind exclusively.
                                               --Coleridge.
         By the theorems, Which your polite and terser
         gallants practice, I re-refine the court, and
         civilize Their barbarous natures.     --Massinger.
2. (Math.) A statement of a principle to be demonstrated.
Note: A theorem is something to be proved, and is thus
      distinguished from a problem, which is something to be
      solved. In analysis, the term is sometimes applied to a
      rule, especially a rule or statement of relations
      expressed in a formula or by symbols; as, the binomial
      theorem; Taylor's theorem. See the Note under
      {Proposition}, n., 5.
{Binomial theorem}. (Math.) See under {Binomial}.
{Negative theorem}, a theorem which expresses the
   impossibility of any assertion.
{Particular theorem} (Math.), a theorem which extends only to
   a particular quantity.
{Theorem of Pappus}. (Math.) See {Centrobaric method}, under
   {Centrobaric}.
{Universal theorem} (Math.), a theorem which extends to any
   quantity without restriction.

\The"o*rem\, v. t.
To formulate into a theorem.