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holistic

- 4 dictionary results

ho⋅lis⋅tic

[hoh-lis-tik]
–adjective
1. incorporating the concept of holism in theory or practice: holistic psychology.
2. identifying with principles of holism in a system of therapeutics, esp. one considered outside the mainstream of scientific medicine, as naturopathy or chiropractic, and usually involving nutritional measures.

Origin:
1926; hol(ism) + -istic


ho⋅lis⋅ti⋅cal⋅ly, adverb
ho·lis·tic   (hō-lĭs'tĭk)   
adj.  
  1. Of or relating to holism.
    1. Emphasizing the importance of the whole and the interdependence of its parts.
    2. Concerned with wholes rather than analysis or separation into parts: holistic medicine; holistic ecology.
ho·lis'ti·cal·ly adv.

holistic 
1926, coined, along with holism, by Gen. J.C. Smuts (1870-1950), from Gk. holos "whole" (see safe (adj.)). In reference to the theory that regards nature as consisting of wholes. Holistic medicine is first attested 1960.

Main Entry: ho·lis·tic
Pronunciation: hO-'lis-tik
Function: adjective
1 : of or relating to holism
2 : relating toor concerned with wholes or with complete systems rather than with the analysis of, treatment of, or dissection into parts <holistic medicine attempts to treat both the mind and the body> —ho·lis·ti·cal·ly /-ti-k(&-)lE/ adverb
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