verb , noun
■ verb
/ ˈpɒstjuleɪt; NAmE ˈpɑːstʃəl-/ ( formal ) to suggest or accept that sth is true so that it can be used as the basis for a theory, etc.
SYN posit :
[ vn ]
They postulated a 500-year lifespan for a plastic container.
[also v that ]
■ noun
/ ˈpɒstjʊlət; NAmE ˈpɑːstʃəl-/ ( formal ) a statement that is accepted as true, that forms the basis of a theory, etc.
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Latin postulat- asked, from the verb postulare .