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
ˌa-tə-ˈmi-sti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce atomistic (audio)
adverb

Examples of atomistic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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

Word History

First Known Use

1695, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of atomistic was in 1695

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atomistic
atomistics
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Cite this Entry

“Atomistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atomistic. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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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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