organicism

noun

or·​gan·​i·​cism ȯr-ˈga-nə-ˌsi-zəm How to pronounce organicism (audio)
1
a
: the explanation of life and living processes in terms of the levels of organization of living systems rather than in terms of the properties of their smallest components
b
2
: any of various theories that attribute to society or the universe as a whole an existence or characteristics analogous to those of a biological organism
organicist noun or adjective

Examples of organicism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In 2016, Top Dawg Entertainment was enjoying its ascendance as the premier crew in rap through an exquisite balance of major-label polish and independent organicism. William E. Ketchum Iii, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2022

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

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of organicism was in 1883

Dictionary Entries Near organicism

Cite this Entry

“Organicism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/organicism. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

organicism

noun
or·​gan·​i·​cism ȯr-ˈgan-ə-ˌsiz-əm How to pronounce organicism (audio)
: a theory that disease is always associated with a structural lesion of an organ

More from Merriam-Webster on organicism

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!