Definition of: postulate

(pos′chə·lit) noun
1. A position claimed or basis of argument laid down as well known or too plain to require proof; a self-evident truth.
2. Geom. A self-evident statement regarding the possibility of a geometrical construction: distinguished from axiom.
3. A condition precedent that must be assumed to explain or account for a thing: Peace is a postulate of prosperity.
4. A hypothesis; an unproved assumption.
—v.t. (pos′chə·lāt) ·lat·ed, ·lat·ing
1. To claim; demand; require.
2. To set forth as self-evident or already known: to postulate the existence of matter.
3. To assume the truth or reality of, especially as a basis for discussion: His theory postulates the validity of an older theory. See synonyms under ASSUME. [<L postulatus, pp. of postulare demand]
—pos′tu·la′tor noun