Dictionary Entry
auxiliary hypothesis
nounFind the meaning of the word auxiliary hypothesis, plus dictionary definition, pronunciation, thesaurus-style synonyms, antonyms, and related vocabulary.
1
Meaning
Dictionary meaning in a clear, student-friendly format.
a background assumption in a scientific theory that can be modified to protect the core theory from apparent disconfirmation
Example Sentence
When Mercury’s orbit clashed with Newton, scientists proposed an auxiliary hypothesis about an unseen planet Vulcan to save the theory.
Usage Note
Use when discussing how scientists adjust secondary assumptions instead of abandoning a cherished theory after conflicting data.