corpuscular theory

American  

noun

Physics.

1. the theory that light is transmitted as a stream of particles.

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corpuscular theory British  

noun

1. the theory, originally proposed by Newton, and revived with the development of the quantum theory, that light consists of a stream of particles Compare photon wave theory

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Etymology

Origin of corpuscular theory

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

corpuscular theory

Newton took Descartes’idea and developed the corpuscular theory of light.

From Scientific American ● Oct. 14, 2013

In English there was an alternative: Robert Boyle invented the term ‘the corpuscularian philosophy’ in 1662 to cover both ancient atomism and Descartes’ new corpuscular theory.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

When the emissory or corpuscular theory of light had to be abandoned a medium for light's interplay between worlds had to be conceived.

From Among the Forces by Warren, Henry White

When we apply the corpuscular theory to the reflection of light we find that it satisfactorily accounts for the phenomenon.

From Aether and Gravitation by Hooper, William George

It was not, however, till the advent of Thomas Young, that the undulatory or wave theory reached its perfection, and finally overthrew its competitor the corpuscular theory.

From Aether and Gravitation by Hooper, William George