unobservable

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   not capable of being directly seen, measured, detected, or otherwise observed

   The theory replaces the unobservable orbit with quantities that experiments can measure.

2. 2
   noun

   a theoretical state, quantity, or entity that cannot be directly observed

   The model infers each unobservable from its measurable effects.

Formed from un- ("not") + observable. Scientific and philosophical uses distinguish unobservable entities or quantities from those accessible to direct measurement or perception.

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