adj.
Pronunciation: ˌ th ē - ə - ' re-ti-k ə l, ˌ thir- ' e-
Variant: also the · o · ret · ic \ -tik \
Function: adjective
Etymology: Late Latin theoreticus, from Greek the ō r ē tikos, from the ō rein to look at
Date: 1601
1 a : relating to or having the character of theory : ABSTRACT b : confined to theory or speculation often in contrast to practical applications : SPECULATIVE < theoretical physics>
2 : given to or skilled in theorizing <a brilliant theoretical physicist>
3 : existing only in theory : HYPOTHETICAL <gave as an example a theoretical situation>