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

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

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

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

"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