1.
A ~ study or explanation is based on or uses the ideas and abstract principles that relate to a particular subject, rather than the practical aspects or uses of it.
...~ physics.
ADJ: usu ADJ n
2.
If you describe a situation as a ~ one, you mean that although it is supposed to be true or to exist in the way stated, it may not in fact be true or exist in that way.
This is certainly a ~ risk but in practice there is seldom a problem...
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