atomism
noun
at·om·ism
ˈa-tə-ˌmi-zəm 
1
: a doctrine that the physical or physical and mental universe is composed of simple indivisible minute particles
Examples of atomism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The theory of atomism was not entirely accepted by the Victorian era.
—
Quanta Magazine, 12 Sep. 2024
While the society’s poets such as Homer and Hesiod pioneered Western literature, Greek thinkers paved the way for modern medicine, mathematics and science, and became the first proponents of ideas such as atomism and heliocentrism.
—Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 1 Dec. 2021
Some denied the theory of atomism; some satirized it; some engaged in a good-faith debate about a bizarre-sounding idea.
—Gregory Barber, Wired, 10 Feb. 2022
According to Vaisesika atomism, the four elements (earth, water, air, and fire) each come in two variations: atomic—that is, invisible, indivisible, and indestructible; and composite—that is, visible and perceptible.
—Priyamvada Natarajan, The New York Review of Books, 15 June 2021
This recognition suggests the importance not of atomism but of community and ethical commitment for the development and sustaining of these liberties.
—Fred Bauer, National Review, 12 Oct. 2020
Moreover, as Alexis de Tocqueville saw, that daily participation in local governance can help ward off the tendencies toward atomism and technocracy to which modern democracy is susceptible.
—Fred Bauer, National Review, 28 Aug. 2019
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Quanta Magazine, 12 Sep. 2024
While the society’s poets such as Homer and Hesiod pioneered Western literature, Greek thinkers paved the way for modern medicine, mathematics and science, and became the first proponents of ideas such as atomism and heliocentrism.
—Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 1 Dec. 2021
Some denied the theory of atomism; some satirized it; some engaged in a good-faith debate about a bizarre-sounding idea.
—Gregory Barber, Wired, 10 Feb. 2022
According to Vaisesika atomism, the four elements (earth, water, air, and fire) each come in two variations: atomic—that is, invisible, indivisible, and indestructible; and composite—that is, visible and perceptible.
—Priyamvada Natarajan, The New York Review of Books, 15 June 2021
This recognition suggests the importance not of atomism but of community and ethical commitment for the development and sustaining of these liberties.
—Fred Bauer, National Review, 12 Oct. 2020
Moreover, as Alexis de Tocqueville saw, that daily participation in local governance can help ward off the tendencies toward atomism and technocracy to which modern democracy is susceptible.
—Fred Bauer, National Review, 28 Aug. 2019
Cite this Entry
“Atomism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atomism. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
atomism
noun
at·om·ism
ˈat-ə-ˌmiz-əm
1
: a doctrine that the universe is composed of simple indivisible minute particles
2
: a psychological doctrine that perceptions, thoughts, and all mental processes are built up by the combination of simple elements
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share