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holism

- 4 dictionary results

ho⋅lism

[hoh-liz-uhm]
–noun Philosophy.
1. the theory that whole entities, as fundamental components of reality, have an existence other than as the mere sum of their parts. Compare organicism (def. 1).
2. Also, holiatry. Medicine/Medical. care of the entire patient in all aspects.
3. Psychology. any psychologic system postulating that the human mind must be studied as a unit rather than as a sum of its individual parts.

Origin:
hol- + -ism; term introduced by J.C. Smuts in Holism and Evolution (1926)


holist, noun
ho·lism   (hō'lĭz'əm)   
n.  
  1. The theory that living matter or reality is made up of organic or unified wholes that are greater than the simple sum of their parts.
  2. A holistic investigation or system of treatment.
ho'list n.

Main Entry: ho·lism
Pronunciation: 'hO-"liz-&m
Function: noun
1 : a theory that the universe and especially living nature is correctlyseen in terms of interacting wholes (as of living organisms) that are more than the mere sum of elementary particles
2 : a holistic study or method of treatment

holism ho·lism (hō'lĭz'əm)
n.

  1. The theory that living matter or reality is made up of organic or unified wholes that are greater than the simple sum of their parts.
  2. A holistic investigation or system of treatment.

ho·lis'tic (hō-lĭs'tĭk) adj.

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