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Definition of postulation - 5 dictionary results

pos⋅tu⋅late

  [v. pos-chuh-leyt; n. pos-chuh-lit, -leyt] verb, -lat⋅ed, -lat⋅ing, noun
Use postulation in a Sentence
–verb (used with object)
1. to ask, demand, or claim.
2. to claim or assume the existence or truth of, esp. as a basis for reasoning or arguing.
3. to assume without proof, or as self-evident; take for granted.
4. Mathematics, Logic. to assume as a postulate.
–noun
5. something taken as self-evident or assumed without proof as a basis for reasoning.
6. Mathematics, Logic. a proposition that requires no proof, being self-evident, or that is for a specific purpose assumed true, and that is used in the proof of other propositions; axiom.
7. a fundamental principle.
8. a necessary condition; prerequisite.
Origin:
1525–35; < L postulātum petition, thing requested, n. use of neut. of ptp. of postulāre to request, demand, akin to pōscere to request

Related forms:
pos⋅tu⋅la⋅tion, noun
pos⋅tu⋅la⋅tion⋅al, adjective

Synonyms:
3. hypothecate, presuppose, conjecture. 5. hypothesis, theory; axiom; assumption, conjecture.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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pos·tu·late   (pŏs'chə-lāt')   
tr.v.   pos·tu·lat·ed, pos·tu·lat·ing, pos·tu·lates

  1. To make claim for; demand.

  2. To assume or assert the truth, reality, or necessity of, especially as a basis of an argument.

  3. To assume as a premise or axiom; take for granted. See Synonyms at presume.

n.   (pŏs'chə-lĭt, -lāt')

  1. Something assumed without proof as being self-evident or generally accepted, especially when used as a basis for an argument: "the postulate that there is little moral difference between the superpowers" (Henry A. Kissinger).

  2. A fundamental element; a basic principle.

  3. Mathematics An axiom.

  4. A requirement; a prerequisite.


[Medieval Latin postulāre, postulāt-, to nominate to a bishopric, to assume, from Latin, to request; see prek- in Indo-European roots.]
pos'tu·la'tion n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: pos·tu·late
Pronunciation: 'päs-ch&-l&t, -"lAt
Function: noun
: a hypothesis advanced as an essential presupposition,condition, or premise of a train of reasoning —see KOCH'S POSTULATES
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

postulate pos·tu·late (pŏs'chə-lāt')
v. pos·tu·lat·ed, pos·tu·lat·ing, pos·tu·lates
To assume or assert the truth or necessity of, especially as a basis of an argument. n.
An unproved assertion or assumption, especially a statement offered as the basis of a theory.

pos'tu·la'tion n.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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Science Dictionary
postulate   (pŏs'chə-lĭt)  Pronunciation Key 
See axiom.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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