reductionism
[ ri-duhk-shuh-niz-uhm ]
/ rɪˈdʌk ʃəˌnɪz əm /
noun
the theory that every complex phenomenon, especially in biology or psychology, can be explained by analyzing the simplest, most basic physical mechanisms that are in operation during the phenomenon.
the practice of simplifying a complex idea, issue, condition, or the like, especially to the point of minimizing, obscuring, or distorting it.
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OTHER WORDS FROM reductionism
re·duc·tion·ist, noun, adjectivere·duc·tion·is·tic, adjectiveDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for reductionism
British Dictionary definitions for reductionism
reductionism
/ (rɪˈdʌkʃəˌnɪzəm) /
noun
the analysis of complex things, data, etc, into less complex constituents
often derogatory any theory or method that holds that a complex idea, system, etc, can be completely understood in terms of its simpler parts or components
Derived forms of reductionism
reductionist, noun, adjectivereductionistic, adjectiveCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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