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n. pl. hy·poth·e·ses (-sēz′) 1. A tentative explanation for an observation, phenomenon, or scientific problem that can be tested by further investigation. 2. Something taken to be true for the purpose of argument or investigation; an assumption. 3. The antecedent of a conditional statement. [Latin, subject for a speech, from Greek hupothesis, proposal, supposition, from hupotithenai, hupothe-, to suppose : hupo-, hypo- + tithenai, to place; see dhē- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
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