Vaisheshika

noun Vai·she·shi·ka

variants: or less commonly Vaisesika \vīˈshāshə̇kə, -ˈsāsə̇-\

Definition of Vaisheshika

plural -s

: an orthodox philosophical system in Hinduism distinguished by its atomic theory of cosmology

There's more!

Love words? You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
Advanced search features
Ad free!

Origin and Etymology of vaisheshika

Sanskrit vaiśeṣika distinction, distinct nature of the eternal substances, from viśeṣa distinction, from viśiṣyate it is distinguished, from vi apart, asunder + śiṣyate it is left