Noun: atomism 'a-tu,mi-zum
- (chemistry) any theory in which all matter is composed of tiny discrete finite indivisible indestructible particles
"The ancient Greek philosopher Democritus proposed an early version of atomism";
- atomic theory, atomist theory, atomistic theory
- (psychology) a theory that reduces all mental phenomena to simple elements (sensations and feelings) that form complex ideas by association
"Early psychologists used atomism to explain the structure of consciousness"
Derived forms: atomisms
Type of: scientific theory, theory
Encyclopedia: Atomism