1. An initial assumption or educated guess made to solve a problem, especially in mathematics or physics; a starting point or proposed solution form.
Usage: technical; mathematics and physics; from German

Examples

• The physicist used an ansatz to propose a trial solution for the differential equation.
• In quantum mechanics, researchers often make an ansatz about the form of the wave function.
• The ansatz simplified the problem by reducing the number of unknowns.
• By choosing a clever ansatz, the mathematician was able to solve the system more efficiently.
• The ansatz assumed the solution had an exponential form.