Noun: uncertainty principle ,ún'sur-t(u)n-tee'prin-su-pul
- (quantum theory) the theory that it is impossible to measure both energy and time (or position and momentum) completely accurately at the same time
"Heisenberg's uncertainty principle sets fundamental limits on the precision of certain measurements";
- indeterminacy principle
Derived forms: uncertainty principles
Type of: scientific theory
Encyclopedia: Uncertainty principle