catflap.org Online Dictionary Query

  Demonstration \Dem`on*stra"tion\, n. [L. demonstratio: cf. F.
     d['e]monstration.]
     1. The act of demonstrating; an exhibition; proof;
        especially, proof beyond the possibility of doubt;
        indubitable evidence, to the senses or reason.
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              Those intervening ideas which serve to show the
              agreement of any two others are called ``proofs;''
              and where agreement or disagreement is by this means
              plainly and clearly perceived, it is called
              demonstration.                        --Locke.
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     2. An expression, as of the feelings, by outward signs; a
        manifestation; a show. See also sense 7 for a more
        specific related meaning.
        [1913 Webster +PJC]
  
              Did your letters pierce the queen to any
              demonstration of grief?               --Shak.
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              Loyal demonstrations toward the prince. --Prescott.
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     3. (Anat.) The exhibition and explanation of a dissection or
        other anatomical preparation.
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     4. (Mil.) a decisive exhibition of force, or a movement
        indicating an attack.
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     5. (Logic) The act of proving by the syllogistic process, or
        the proof itself.
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     6. (Math.) A course of reasoning showing that a certain
        result is a necessary consequence of assumed premises; --
        these premises being definitions, axioms, and previously
        established propositions.
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     7. a public gathering of people to express some sentiment or
        feelings by explicit means, such as picketing, parading,
        carrying signs or shouting, usually in favor of or opposed
        to some action of government or of a business.
        [PJC]
  
     8. the act of showing how a certain device, machine or
        product operates, or how a procedure is performed; --
        usually done for the purpose of inducing prospective
        customers to buy a product; as, a demonstration of the
        simple operation of a microwave oven.
        [PJC]
  
     Direct demonstration, or Positive demonstration, (Logic &
        Math.), one in which the correct conclusion is the
        immediate sequence of reasoning from axiomatic or
        established premises; -- opposed to
  
     Indirect demonstration, or Negative demonstration (called
        also reductio ad absurdum), in which the correct
        conclusion is an inference from the demonstration that any
        other hypothesis must be incorrect.
        [1913 Webster]