selectionist

noun

se·​lec·​tion·​ist sə-ˈlek-sh(ə-)nist How to pronounce selectionist (audio)
: one who considers natural selection a fundamental factor in evolution
selectionist adjective

Examples of selectionist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web At the other end are a range of broad families of ideas which are group selectionist, or posit a more complex and nested array of dynamics and forces. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 14 June 2011 For Townsend, the ongoing debate between neutralists and selectionists isn’t particularly fruitful. Quanta Magazine, 8 Nov. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'selectionist.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of selectionist was in 1892

Dictionary Entries Near selectionist

Cite this Entry

“Selectionist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/selectionist. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

selectionist

noun
se·​lec·​tion·​ist sə-ˈlek-sh(ə-)nəst How to pronounce selectionist (audio)
: a person who considers natural selection a fundamental factor in evolution
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