atomistic

adjective

at·​om·​is·​tic ˌa-tə-ˈmi-stik How to pronounce atomistic (audio)
1
: of or relating to atoms or atomism
2
: composed of many simple elements
also : characterized by or resulting from division into unconnected or antagonistic fragments
an atomistic society
atomistically adverb

Examples of atomistic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This is hardly new news to the very people Lynn is criticizing (who have spent decades aggressively making that very case that an atomistic understanding of markets fails in its duty to meet the conditions for human flourishing). David L. Bahnsen, National Review, 20 Jan. 2024 The atomistic image is metaphorical. Stephen Humphries, The Christian Science Monitor, 1 Oct. 2021 Fermi, Pasta and Ulam wanted to use their new problem-solving tool—computer simulation—to virtually zoom in on a system and observe atomistic interactions at the molecular level, with a realism that was not possible before. Virginia Grant, Scientific American, 29 Sep. 2021 But Nayfeh’s research resulted in a new form of silicon that exists between solid and atomistic states. David Lumb, Popular Mechanics, 9 Dec. 2020 By the Middle Ages, atomistic ideas had been mostly eclipsed by Aristotle’s theory that four principal elements—fire, earth, water, and air—combined to form the various objects in the universe. Neima Jahromi, The New Yorker, 27 Dec. 2019 Harding’s atomistic approach was at least in sync with the composer’s here. Joshua Kosman, San Francisco Chronicle, 13 Apr. 2018 Traditional polls are atomistic, focusing nearly entirely on characteristics and opinions of the individual respondent and aiming for a single target: Election Day. Andrew Gelman, Slate Magazine, 5 Sep. 2017 Atomistic individuals are linked to family—family now and their ancestors—along with friends and community and congregation. Bryan Walsh, Time, 7 Aug. 2017

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

Word History

First Known Use

1695, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of atomistic was in 1695

Dictionary Entries Near atomistic

Cite this Entry

“Atomistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atomistic. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

atomistic

adjective
at·​om·​is·​tic ˌat-ə-ˈmis-tik How to pronounce atomistic (audio)
1
: of or relating to atoms or atomism
2
: considering the primary concern of psychology to be the content of consciousness or the succession of ideas or mental experiences rather than the integrated conscious self
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