corpuscular theory

American  

noun

Physics.

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

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of corpuscular theory

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

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 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

When Foucault directly measured the velocity of light both in air and water, and found it less in the denser medium, the result was fatal to the corpuscular theory.

From Heroes of Science: Physicists by Garnett, William

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 Read, Carveth