A hypothesis is an idea which is suggested as a possible explanation for a particular situation or condition, but which has not yet been proved to be correct. 假设
noun [抽象名词]假说,假设;(凭空的)猜想,猜测;前提
Work will now begin to test the hypothesis in rats. 在老鼠身上验证这一假设的工作现在要开始了。