atomism
1. (psychology) a theory that reduces all mental phenomena to simple elements (sensations and feelings) that form complex ideas by association • Derivationally related forms: atomistical, atomistic • Topics: psychology, psychological science • Hypernyms: scientific theory 2. (chemistry) any theory in which all matter is composed of tiny discrete finite indivisible indestructible particles - the ancient Greek philosophers Democritus and Epicurus held atomic theories of the universe • Syn: atomic theory, atomist theory, atomistic theory • Ant: holism • Derivationally related forms: atomistical, atomistic • Topics: chemistry, chemical science • Hypernyms: theory
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