atomism

/ˈædəˌmɪzəm/
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Definitions of atomism
  1. noun
    (chemistry) any theory in which all matter is composed of tiny discrete finite indivisible indestructible particles
    synonyms: atomic theory, atomist theory, atomistic theory
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    antonyms:
    holism
    the theory that the parts of any whole cannot exist and cannot be understood except in their relation to the whole
    type of:
    theory
    a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena
  2. noun
    (psychology) a theory that reduces all mental phenomena to simple elements (sensations and feelings) that form complex ideas by association
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    type of:
    scientific theory
    a theory that explains scientific observations
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