atomicism
|a-tom-i-cism|
🇺🇸
/əˈtɑːmɪsɪzəm/
🇬🇧
/əˈtɒmɪsɪz(ə)m/
belief that atoms or individuals are the fundamental units
Etymology
'atomicism' originates from Modern English, specifically the word 'atomic' + the suffix '-ism', where 'atomic' meant 'of or relating to atoms' and '-ism' meant 'doctrine, system, or belief'.
'atomicism' is historically related to 'atomism', which derives from Greek 'atomos' meaning 'indivisible' via Latin and Middle English; over time English formations like 'atomic' + '-ism' produced the form 'atomicism'.
Initially, the term referred specifically to the doctrine about physical atoms and matter; over time its use broadened to include social or metaphysical doctrines that treat individuals or smallest units as primary.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a philosophical or scientific doctrine that matter is composed of discrete, indivisible units called atoms and that properties of materials arise from these units and their arrangements.
Classical atomicism held that all matter is composed of indivisible particles called atoms.
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Noun 2
a social or political view (often called social atomism) that regards individuals as the fundamental units of society and emphasizes individual autonomy over collective structures.
His political writings showed a strong leaning toward atomicism, emphasizing individual rights above collective obligations.
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Last updated: 2025/11/12 18:47