The Collaborative International Dictionary
grand unified theory \grand unified theory\, grand unification theory \grand unification theory\n. (Theoretical physics) Any of a class of physics theories that attempts to explain the electroweak forces, stong force, and gravitation within a single mathematical conceptual scheme. In the 1990's string theory and superstring theory were prominent examples. Abbreviated GUT, plural GUTs.
string theory \string" the`o*ry\ (str[i^]ng" th[=e]`[-o]*r[y^]), n. (Physics) A mathematical theory for describing the properties of fundamental particles, which represents the particles as one-dimensional string-like objects, which exist in the normal four dimensions of space-time plus additional dimensions, the total dimensions being ten, eleven, or twenty-six depending on the version of the theory. The properties of fundamental particles in string theory and their manner of interaction with each other depend upon the modes of vibration of the strings[17]. The attractiveness of this theory rests in part on its ability to provide a unified treatment of gravity as well as the three other basic forces of nature, in a manner consistent with quantum mechanics. The great difficulty of doing the calculations required by the theory, however, has thus far (1999) made it impossible to calculate the observable properties, such as the mass, of known particles, such as the electron, proton, mesons, quarks, and neutron; thus there is as yet no experimental verification for the theory. The most popular version of the theory depends on a mathematical property called supersymmetry, and the theory derived form this principle is properly called superstring theory, a term which is often used interchangeably with string theory. See also string[17].
Wikipedia
Superstring theory is an attempt to explain all of the particles and fundamental forces of nature in one theory by modelling them as vibrations of tiny supersymmetric strings.
'Superstring theory' is a shorthand for supersymmetric string theory because unlike bosonic string theory, it is the version of string theory that accounts for fermions and incorporates supersymmetry.
Since the second superstring revolution, the five superstring theories are regarded as different limits of a single theory tentatively called M-theory, or simply string theory.
Usage examples of "superstring theory".
Although recently the theory group at Da Vinci had begun buzzing about developments in superstring theory and quantum gravity they were making.
During the interview, Georgi also noted that the experimental refutation of the prediction of proton decay that emerged from his and Glashow's first proposed grand unified theory (see Chapter 7) played a significant part in his reluctance to embrace superstring theory.
Over a winter in Da Vinci Bao took him through the latest in superstring theory, step by step.
The word's short for membrane, and the result follows from an old extension of superstring theory.
A couple of Australian physicists have said the equations are relevant to superstring theory.
The only thing she wanted to do with superstring theory right now was use it to garrote Romulans.