WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026
thought′ exper′iment 
  1. Physicsa demonstration or calculation that is based on the postulates of a theory, as relativity, and that demonstrates or clarifies the consequences of the postulates. Also called Gedanken experiment. 
  • 1940–45

'thought experiment' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):
Gedanken experiment

Forum discussions with the word(s) "thought experiment" in the title:


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