atomism
Americannoun
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Also called atomic theory. Philosophy. the theory that minute, discrete, finite, and indivisible elements are the ultimate constituents of all matter.
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Psychology. a method or theory that reduces all psychological phenomena to simple elements.
noun
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an ancient philosophical theory, developed by Democritus and expounded by Lucretius, that the ultimate constituents of the universe are atoms See atom
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any of a number of theories that hold that some objects or phenomena can be explained as constructed out of a small number of distinct types of simple indivisible entities
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any theory that holds that an understanding of the parts is logically prior to an understanding of the whole Compare holism
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psychol the theory that experiences and mental states are composed of elementary units
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of atomism
First recorded in 1670–80
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
She begins in the 5th century B.C., when Democritus formulated his atomism, locating the ultimate nature of things in matter rather than divinity.
From Washington Post • Apr. 10, 2023
Note that the atomism alluded to here is different from what is referred to as atomic theory.
From Textbooks • Jun. 15, 2022
We can see this in their atomism and their religious skepticism, which hearkens back to Xenophanes.
From Textbooks • Jun. 15, 2022
Lucretius adopts a material atomism that holds that things are composed of atoms in motion.
From Textbooks • Jun. 15, 2022
Thomas Bradwardine, who was to become archbishop of Canterbury, tried to disprove atomism, Aristotle’s old nemesis.
From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
