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 mood in which we condemn it is not at all like the mood in which we reject the corpuscular theory of light or Sir G.C.

From The Destiny of Man Viewed in the Light of His Origin by Fiske, John

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