phys·i·cal·ism
ˈfi-zi-kə-ˌli-zəm 
: a thesis that the descriptive terms of scientific language are reducible to terms which refer to spatiotemporal things or events or to their properties
plural -s
1
: one who holds human thoughts and acts to be determined by physical laws
2
: an advocate of physicalism
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Sigal Samuel, Vox, 4 June 2024
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Noun
By the 19th century, many scientists fully embraced materialism, also known as physicalism.
—Sigal Samuel, Vox, 4 June 2024
Cite this Entry
“Physicalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/physicalism. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
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