Theory
A scientifically testable general principle or body of principles offered to explain observed phenomena. In scientific usage, a theory is distinct from a hypothesis (or conjecture) that is proposed to explain previously observed phenomena. For a hypothesis to rise to the level of theory, it must predict the existence of new phenomena that are subsequently observed. A theory can be overturned if new phenomena are observed that directly contradict the theory.
Can't you understand that a theory, when the term is used by scientists (by SCIENTISTS, not EVOLUTIONISTS), is not a wild guess or speculation or the like, as claimed by creationists? And as you claimed in your post.
Who cares if there are five or five hundred definitions? Scientists are not using all of them for their work. They are using a definition like the one above.
Until you can understand and follow this one point any further discussion with you is an absolute waste of time.
(Maybe you should go talk to betty boop and Alamo-Girl. They like metaphysics and other squishy subjects.)
A scientifically testable general principle or body of principles offered to explain observed phenomena. In scientific usage, a theory is distinct from a hypothesis (or conjecture) that is proposed to explain previously observed phenomena. For a hypothesis to rise to the level of theory, it must predict the existence of new phenomena that are subsequently observed. A theory can be overturned if new phenomena are observed that directly contradict the theory."
Does this mean that, a theory can only be overturned if a new contradictory phenomena is observed?
What it there is an old contradictory phenomena being currently observed?
How does a phenomena relate to evidence?
If there is old contradictory evidence being currently observed, can the theory be overturned?
Can a hypothesis still become a theory if claims of contradictory phenomena have not been refuted?