postulate (
http://definr.com/postulate)
n : (logic) a proposition that is accepted as true in order to
provide a basis for logical reasoning [syn:
posit]
v 1: maintain or assert; "He contended that Communism had no
future" [syn:
contend]
2: take as a given; assume as a postulate or axiom; "He posited
three basic laws of nature" [syn:
posit]