əˌmɪz noun
1.
Also called atomic theory. Philosophy. the theory that minute, discrete, finite, and indivisible elements are the ultimate constituents of all matter.
2.
Psychology. a method or theory that reduces all psychological phenomena to simple elements.
Origin:
1670–80
1670–80
Related forms
at·om·ist, noun
at·om·is·tic, at·om·is·ti·cal, adjective
at·om·is·ti·cal·ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source
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Link To atomism
Collins
World English Dictionary
atomism (ˈætəˌmɪzəm) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —n | |
| 1. | See atom an ancient philosophical theory, developed by Democritus and expounded by Lucretius, that the ultimate constituents of the universe are atoms |
| 2. | a. 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 |
| b. Compare holism any theory that holds that an understanding of the parts is logically prior to an understanding of the whole | |
| 3. | psychol the theory that experiences and mental states are composed of elementary units |
| 'atomist | |
| —n, —adj | |
| atom'istic | |
| —adj | |
| atom'istical | |
| —adj | |
| atom'istically | |
| —adv | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
00:10
Atomism
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