Definition: axiom

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Source: WordNet (r) 1.7 

axiom
     n 1: a saying that widely accepted on its own merits [syn: maxim]
     2: (logic) a proposition that is not susceptible of proof or
        disproof; its truth is assumed to be self-evident

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) 

Axiom \Ax"i*om\, n. [L. axioma, Gr. ? that which is thought
   worthy, that which is assumed, a basis of demonstration, a
   principle, fr. ? to think worthy, fr. ? worthy, weighing as
   much as; cf. ? to lead, drive, also to weigh so much: cf F.
   axiome. See Agent, a.]
   1. (Logic & Math.) A self-evident and necessary truth, or a
      proposition whose truth is so evident as first sight that
      no reasoning or demonstration can make it plainer; a
      proposition which it is necessary to take for granted; as,
      ``The whole is greater than a part;'' ``A thing can not,
      at the same time, be and not be.''

   2. An established principle in some art or science, which,
      though not a necessary truth, is universally received; as,
      the axioms of political economy.

   Syn: Axiom, Maxim, Aphorism, Adage.

   Usage: An axiom is a self-evident truth which is taken for
          granted as the basis of reasoning. A maxim is a
          guiding principle sanctioned by experience, and
          relating especially to the practical concerns of life.
          An aphorism is a short sentence pithily expressing
          some valuable and general truth or sentiment. An adage
          is a saying of long-established authority and of
          universal application.

Source: The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (2003-OCT-10) 

AXIOM

   <language> A commercially available subset of Scratchpad,
   from IBM.

   ["Axiom - The Scientific Computing System", R. Jenks et al,
   Springer 1992].

   (1995-02-21)
axiom

   <logic> A well-formed formula which is taken to be true
   without proof in the construction of a theory.

   Compare: lemma.

   (1995-03-31)
AXIOM*

   <mathematics, tool> A symbolic mathematics system.

   A# is one component of AXIOM*.

   Version: 2.

   (1995-02-21)