corpuscular theory

noun

, Physics.

corpuscular theory

the theory, originally proposed by Newton, and revived with the development of the quantum theory, that light consists of a stream of particles Compare photon wave theory

First recorded in 1825–35

This corpuscular theory of matter may throw light on the laws of chemical combination.

Sir Isaac Newton's corpuscular theory "explained all the phenomena of light, except one," and he actually assumed, for it "fits."

Herschel accepted, as did all his cotemporaries, the Newtonian or corpuscular theory of light.

When we apply the corpuscular theory to the reflection of light we find that it satisfactorily accounts for the phenomenon.

I refer to the effect of an atomic and gravitative Aether upon Newton's corpuscular theory of light.

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