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The Collaborative International Dictionary
Negative theorem

Theorem \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.