HYPOTHESIS

hypothesis. Hypothesis, n. a system formed upon supposition

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Hy‐poth″e‐sis (?), n.; pl. Hypotheses (#). [[NL., fr. Gr. � foundation, supposition, fr. � to place under, � under + � to put. See Hypo-, Thesis.]] 1. 1. A supposition; a proposition or principle which is supposed or taken for granted, in order to draw a conclusion or inference for proof of the point in question; something not proved, but assumed for the purpose of argument, or to account for a fact or an occurrence; as, the hypothesis that head winds detain an overdue steamer.
An hypothesis being a mere supposition, there are no other limits to hypotheses than those of the human imagination. J. S. Mill. 2. 2. (Natural Science) A tentative theory or supposition provisionally adopted to explain certain facts, and to guide in the investigation of others; hence, frequently called a working hypothesis.
Syn. — Supposition; assumption. See Theory. Nebular hypothesis. See under Nebular.