atomism

[ at-uh-miz-uhm ]

noun

Also called atomic theory. Philosophy. the theory that minute, discrete, finite, and indivisible elements are the ultimate constituents of all matter.
Psychology. a method or theory that reduces all psychological phenomena to simple elements.

Origin of atomism

First recorded in 1670–80

Other words from atomism

at·om·ist, noun
at·om·is·tic, at·om·is·ti·cal, adjective
at·om·is·ti·cal·ly, adverb

Words Nearby atomism

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use atomism in a sentence

But in this instance the facts do not take us into atomism and anarchy.
Human Nature and Conduct | John Dewey
It is said to be ethical atomism, pulverizing the order and dignity of morals.
Human Nature and Conduct | John Dewey
Social atomism or individualism, therefore, implied a total misconception of what Mill calls the 'evolution of humanity.'
The English Utilitarians, Volume II (of 3) | Leslie Stephen
Epicurus, therefore, adopted the atomism of Democritus en bloc, or with trifling modifications.
A Critical History of Greek Philosophy | W. T. Stace
Therefore he searched the past, and soon found what he wanted in the atomism of Democritus.
A Critical History of Greek Philosophy | W. T. Stace

British Dictionary definitions for atomism

atomism

/ (ˈætəˌmɪzəm) /

noun

an ancient philosophical theory, developed by Democritus and expounded by Lucretius, that the ultimate constituents of the universe are atoms: See atom (def. 3)
- 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
- any theory that holds that an understanding of the parts is logically prior to an understanding of the whole: Compare holism (def. 3)

psychol the theory that experiences and mental states are composed of elementary units

Derived forms of atomism

atomist, noun, adjective
atomistic or atomistical, adjective
atomistically, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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