Main Entry: re·duc·tion·ism

Pronunciation: \ri-ˈdək-shə-ˌni-zəm\

Function: noun

Date: 1943

1 : explanation of complex life-science processes and phenomena in terms of the laws of physics and chemistry; also : a theory or doctrine that complete reductionism is possible
2 : a procedure or theory that reduces complex data and phenomena to simple terms

— re·duc·tion·ist \-sh(ə-)nist\ noun or adjective

— re·duc·tion·is·tic \-ˌdək-shə-ˈnis-tik\ adjective