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

Our advancing knowledge of electro-magnetic phenomena may some day drive us back to a modified form of the corpuscular theory of light, and then we can throw this of the ether to the winds.

From Q. E. D., or New Light on the Doctrine of Creation by Price, George McCready

The corpuscular theory, which the famous Newton advocated, is long since abandoned.

From Quiet Talks on Power by Gordon, S. D. (Samuel Dickey)

"The corpuscular theory of radiation is by no means so dead as in my youth we thought it was."

From God and the World A Survey of Thought by Robinson, Arthur William