ham sandwich theorem

proper noun

A theorem stating that, given n measurable "objects" in n-dimensional Euclidean space, it is possible to divide all of them in half (with respect to their measure, i.e. volume) with a single (n−1)-dimensional hyperplane.

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Meanings

proper nounthe ham sandwich theorem
  1. mathematicsA theorem stating that, given n measurable "objects" in n-dimensional Euclidean space, it is possible to divide all of them in half (with respect to their measure, i.e. volume) with a single (n−1)-dimensional hyperplane.

Origin

By analogy with cutting a sandwich having three layers (two of bread and one of ham), for the case where n=3.

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Cite this entry
APA

ham sandwich theorem. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/ham%20sandwich%20theorem

MLA

“ham sandwich theorem.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/ham%20sandwich%20theorem. Accessed November 5, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “ham sandwich theorem,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/ham%20sandwich%20theorem.

Source: ham sandwich theorem on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.