Phrase guide

invariant theory

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

The branch of algebra concerned with actions of groups on algebraic varieties from the point of view of their effect on functions.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: countable, uncountable

Qualifier: representation theory

Topics: algebra, mathematics, sciences

Examples

  • 1993, Bernd Sturmfels, Introduction, David Hilbert, Reinhard C. Laubenbacher (translator and editor), Bernd Sturmfels (editor), Theory of Algebraic Invariants, Cambridge University Press, page xi, Today, invariant theory is often understood as a branch of representation theory, algebraic geometry, commutative algebra, and algebraic combinatorics. Each of these four disciplines has roots in nineteenth-century invariant theory. [...] In modern terms, the basic problem of invariant theory can be categorized as follows. Let V be a K-vector space on which a group G acts linearly. In the ring of polynomial functions K[V] consider the subring K[V]G consisting of all polynomial functions on V which are invariant under the action of the group G. The basic problem is to describe the invariant ring K[V]G. In particular, we would like to know whether K[V]G is finitely generated as a K-algebra and, if so, to give an algorithm for computing generators.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see invariant, theory.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: countable, uncountable

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

2 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • French: théorie des invariants — branch of algebra concerned with actions of groups on algebraic varieties
  • Polish: teoria niezmienników — branch of algebra concerned with actions of groups on algebraic varieties