It's a well supported, documented explanation for an observation. In science theory is the ultimate goal, it's not just a hunch as some people believe.
In a nutshell a theory tries to predict and explain a particular area of study. It will be backded up with a great deal of evidence (facts if you will). For example the Theory of General Relativity is used to predict and explain gravity (amongst other things). The specific facts would be things such as gravitational lensing and so forth. It is not a hypothesis or, as Asimov said, "something you dreamt up after being drunk all night". It is a well supported set of ideas to that tells you something about the universe in some respect. Of course theories change and are not perfect. Newton's "Laws" for example have been superceded in the most part by Special and General Relativity. Neither is Relativity perfect but is the best theorectical framework we have for now.
They have their "theories" but the Bible has the truth.
A scientific theory is the best available explanation for something in nature. It starts out as a hypothesis that is tested repeatedly by many different people at different times and in different places. When those experiments produce the same results and the same conclusions can be drawn over a long period of time then the hypothesis can be graduated to the status of "theory".
A scientific law is something that is absolutely true, and cant be false. A theory is something that has been evidenced, tested many times over, and is the best explanation for something we can come up with. The difference is a theory could be wrong, whereas a law cannot be. However, theories usually are the best we can do, and are still very strong. IE the law that no energy can be created or destroyed. Its only transformed. IE Einsteins theory of relativity. Its very strong math, and parts have been tested over and over by different scientists and all the results seem to support it.
What is the famous theory that scientists believe created the universe called?
Do you think Doctors and Scientists,should be able to use data from nazi death camp experiments?
Why are scientists eager to believe "String Theory" with no evidence but give psychic "evidence" much doubt because of no theory?
Does science make the average person smarter, if all they do is simply believe what they are told by scientists?
Why do so many people seem to think that you can`t beleive in GOD and the theory of evolution at the same time?
What are your opinions on the 2012 theory?