unified field theory

noun Physics.

1. electroweak theory.
2. any field theory, especially Einstein’s, that attempts to combine the gravitational and electromagnetic fields in a single mathematical framework, thus extending the general theory of relativity.

noun

1. any theory capable of describing in one set of equations the properties of gravitational fields, electromagnetic fields, and strong and weak nuclear interactions. No satisfactory theory has yet been found

1. A theory that unites and explains the basic forces of nature (strong, electroweak, and gravitational forces) as manifestations of a single physical principle. No unified field theory that has been proposed so far has gained broad acceptance.

Any theory in which two seemingly different forces are seen to be fundamentally identical. Maxwell’s equations express a unified field theory that demonstrates the basic identity of electricity and magnetism, and the standard model postulates a basic identity for the strong force, the weak force, and electromagnetism.