atomist
|at-om-ist|
/ˈætəmɪst/
a believer or supporter of atoms/atomism
Etymology
'atomist' originates from Modern English, formed from the noun 'atom' plus the agent suffix '-ist'. The noun 'atom' ultimately comes from Greek, specifically the word 'atomos', where 'a-' meant 'not' and 'tomos' meant 'cutting' (i.e., 'uncuttable' or 'indivisible').
'Atom' entered English via Medieval Latin 'atomus' from Greek 'atomos'. The agent suffix '-ist' (from Greek/Latin via Old French and Middle English usage) was added in Modern English to form 'atomist', meaning 'one who holds the doctrine of atoms'.
Initially it meant 'a proponent of the philosophical doctrine that matter is composed of indivisible particles'; over time it broadened to include scientists and theorists who advocate or work with atomic theory in modern science.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a proponent or adherent of atomism — the philosophical doctrine that matter is composed of indivisible particles (atoms).
Ancient atomists like Democritus and Epicurus were influential atomists in Greek philosophy.
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Noun 2
a person (often a scientist or theorist) who supports or works with atomic theory in a modern scientific context.
In the early 20th century many chemists and physicists became atomists as evidence for atomic structure grew.
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Last updated: 2025/11/12 21:34