axiom

Noun

Synonyms: maxim

WordNet 3.0

Noun (2)

a saying that is widely accepted on its own meritsSynonyms: maxim
(logic) a proposition that is not susceptible of proof or disproof; its truth is assumed to be self-evident

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Axiom \Ax"i*om\, n. [L. axioma, Gr. ? that which is thought worthy, that which is assumed, a basis of demonstration, a principle, fr. ? to think worthy, fr. ? worthy, weighing as much as; cf. ? to lead, drive, also to weigh so much: cf F. axiome. See Agent, a.]

1.(Logic & Math.) A self-evident and necessary truth, or a proposition whose truth is so evident as first sight that no reasoning or demonstration can make it plainer; a proposition which it is necessary to take for granted; as, "The whole is greater than a part;" "A thing can not, at the same time, be and not be." [1913 Webster]

2.An established principle in some art or science, which, though not a necessary truth, is universally received; as, the axioms of political economy. [1913 Webster]

Syn: Axiom, Maxim, Aphorism, Adage.

Usage: An axiom is a self-evident truth which is taken for granted as the basis of reasoning. A maxim is a guiding principle sanctioned by experience, and relating especially to the practical concerns of life. An aphorism is a short sentence pithily expressing some valuable and general truth or sentiment. An adage is a saying of long-established authority and of universal application. [1913 Webster] Axiomatic

Free On-line Dictionary of Computing

AXIOM

<language> A commercially available subset of the Scratchpad, symbolic mathematics system from IBM.

["Axiom - The Scientific Computing System", R. Jenks et al, Springer 1992]. [Relationship with AXIOM*?]

(1995-02-21)

axiom

<logic> A well-formed formula which is taken to be true without proof in the construction of a theory.

Compare: lemma.

(1995-03-31)