Definition

1. Noun:
   • A generalization that describes recurring facts or events in nature: A "law of nature" is a scientific statement, based on repeated experimental observations, that describes a consistent and universal pattern in how the natural world behaves. It is considered a fundamental truth within its domain.

Usage

• The term "law of nature" is used to refer to established, empirically verified principles in science. These laws are typically expressed mathematically and are believed to hold true under specified conditions everywhere in the universe.
• It is a formal and academic term, most commonly used in scientific, philosophical, and educational contexts.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Newton's law of universal gravitation is a fundamental law of nature.
  • The second law of nature we studied was the law of conservation of energy.
  • Scientists seek to discover and understand the laws of nature that govern the universe.

Advanced Usage

• "To be a law of nature": Used to emphasize that something is an inevitable or inescapable principle.
  • It seems to be a law of nature that entropy always increases.
• In philosophical discourse, the concept of a "law of nature" is analyzed regarding its ontological status—whether it is a mere description of patterns or a prescriptive rule that nature follows.

Variants and Related Words

• Natural law: While often used synonymously with "law of nature" in science, "natural law" can also refer to ethical or philosophical principles believed to be inherent in human nature.
• Scientific law: A more specific term for a concise, formal statement of a principle or relationship in science, derived from facts. (e.g., Ohm's law, Boyle's law).
• Physical law: A type of scientific law specifically pertaining to physics.

Synonyms

• Scientific principle: A fundamental concept or rule based on scientific reasoning and evidence.
• Natural regularity: A pattern or uniformity observed in nature.

Related Phrases

• To obey/follow a law of nature: Describes a system or phenomenon acting in accordance with a scientific law.
  • All objects with mass follow the law of nature concerning gravity.
• To be governed by the laws of nature: To be controlled or determined by natural principles.
  • Biological processes are governed by the laws of nature like chemistry and physics.

Noun

1. a generalization that describes recurring facts or events in nature
   • the laws of thermodynamics