holism

noun

ho·​lism ˈhō-ˌli-zəm 

1

: a theory that the universe and especially living nature is correctly seen in terms of interacting wholes (as of living organisms) that are more than the mere sum of elementary particles

2

: a study or method of treatment that is concerned with wholes or with complete systems : a holistic study or method of treatment

holist

ˈhō-list 

noun

Examples of holism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Image Image On another bright morning last summer, Bolger took Benjamina to Concord’s North Bridge, for a holistic lesson but also a lesson in holism. — Joseph Bernstein Robert Petkoff Krish Seenivasan Devin Murphy, New York Times, 3 June 2024

Instagram Holistic is the adjective form of holism, which the dictionary reminds us is a study or method of treatment that’s concerned with wholes and complete systems, more than the mere sum of elementary particles. — Ben Court, Men's Health, 22 Dec. 2022

No creature better exemplifies the holism of nature than freshwater eels. — David Doubilet, National Geographic, 12 June 2019

If man comforts himself in realizable ideals, he will be drawn from individualism into a passive, Eastern holism. — Sahil Handa, National Review, 4 June 2019

Word History

Etymology

Greek hólos "whole, complete" + -ism — more at holo-

Note: Word coined by the statesman and philosopher Jan smuts in the book Holism and Evolution (1926).

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for holism

• anabolism

Medical Definition

holism

noun

ho·​lism ˈhō-ˌliz-əm 

1

: a theory that the universe and especially living nature is correctly seen in terms of interacting wholes (as of living organisms) that are more than the mere sum of elementary particles

2

: a holistic study or method of treatment