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definitions

holistic

[hoh-lis-tik]
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR holistic ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

incorporating the concept of holism, or the idea that the whole is more than merely the sum of its parts, in theory or practice: holistic psychology.
Medicine/Medical. identifying with principles of holism in a system of therapeutics, especially one considered outside the mainstream of scientific medicine, as naturopathy or chiropractic, and often involving nutritional measures: holistic medicine.

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Lexical Investigations: HolisticA motley combination of Anglo-Saxon, Latin, and Germanic dialects, the English language (more or less as we know it) coalesced between the 9th and 13th centuries. Since then, it has continued to import and borrow words and expressions from around the world, and the meanings have mutated. Some specimens in the English vocabulary have followed unusually circuitous routes to their place in the contemporary lexicon, …
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Nearby words

  1. holily,
  2. holiness,
  3. holinshed,
  4. holinshed, raphael,
  5. holism,
  6. holistic medicine,
  7. holkar state,
  8. holkham hall,
  9. holla,
  10. holland

Origin of holistic

First recorded in 1926; hol(ism) + -istic
Related formsho·lis·ti·cal·ly, adverb
Can be confusedholistic wholistic
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for holistic medicine

holistic

adjective

of or relating to a doctrine of holism
of or relating to the the medical consideration of the complete person, physically and psychologically, in the treatment of a disease
Derived Formsholistically, adverb
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for holistic medicine

holistic

adj.

1939, from holism + -istic. Holistic medicine is first attested 1960. Related: Holistically.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Medicine definitions for holistic medicine

holistic medicine

n.

An approach to medical care that emphasizes the study of all aspects of a person's health, including psychological, social, and economic influences on health status.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Culture definitions for holistic medicine

holistic medicine

[(hoh-lis-tik)]

An approach to medicine that emphasizes treating the person as a whole, with special attention to the interconnections of the mind and body and of the systems within the body. Holistic medicine stresses the patient's role in health care through such means as positive attitudes, sound diet, and regular exercise.

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.