A set of statements or principles devised to explain a group of facts or phenomena, especially one that has been repeatedly tested or is widely accepted and can be used to make predictions about natural phenomena.
The branch of a science or art consisting of its explanatory statements, accepted principles, and methods of analysis, as opposed to practice: a fine musician who had never studied theory.
A set of theorems that constitute a systematic view of a branch of mathematics.
Abstract reasoning; speculation: a decision based on experience rather than theory.
A belief or principle that guides action or assists comprehension or judgment: staked out the house on the theory that criminals usually return to the scene of the crime:
He means this definition:
An assumption based on limited information or knowledge; a conjecture.
" He means this definition:
An assumption based on limited information or knowledge; a conjecture. "
Yes, the last one. You don't get to pick and choose which definition to use; their uses have already been established. A scientific theory is:
"A set of statements or principles devised to explain a group of facts or phenomena, especially one that has been repeatedly tested or is widely accepted and can be used to make predictions about natural phenomena."
It is not "An assumption based on limited information or knowledge; a conjecture.".