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

Sir Isaac Newton's corpuscular theory "explained all the phenomena of light, except one," and he actually assumed, for it "fits."

From Prairie Farmer, Vol. 56: No. 12, March 22, 1884 A Weekly Journal for the Farm, Orchard and Fireside by Various

Or can this adjective be applied to Newton's corpuscular theory of light, even though it has failed to explain all the facts?

From Logic Deductive and Inductive by Carveth Read

This new hypothesis, known as the theory of undulations, after the great Isaac Newton had declared himself in favor of the corpuscular theory, was finally adjudged by the majority of students to be erroneous.

From Joseph Smith as Scientist A Contribution to Mormon Philosophy by John Andreas Widtsoe