Dictionary
Thesaurus
Reference
Translate
Web
atomism - 4 dictionary results

at⋅om⋅ism

[at-uh-miz-uhm]
–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


at⋅om⋅ist, noun
at⋅om⋅is⋅tic, at⋅om⋅is⋅ti⋅cal, adjective
at⋅om⋅is⋅ti⋅cal⋅ly, adverb
at·om·ism   (āt'ə-mĭz'əm)   
n.   Philosophy
  1. The ancient theory of Democritus, Epicurus, and Lucretius, according to which simple, minute, indivisible, and indestructible particles are the basic components of the entire universe.
  2. A theory according to which social institutions, values, and processes arise solely from the acts and interests of individuals, who thus constitute the only true subject of analysis.
at'om·ist n.

Atomism

At"om*ism\, n. [Cf. F. atomisme.] The doctrine of atoms. See Atomic philosophy, under Atomic.

Main Entry: at·om·ism
Pronunciation: 'at-&-"miz-&m
Function: noun
1 : a doctrine that the universe is composed of simpleindivisible minute particles
2 : a psychological doctrine that perceptions, thoughts, and all mental processes are built up by the combination of simple elements
Search another word or see atomism on Thesaurus | Reference