holism meaning

UK US

holism (noun): the theory that the parts of any whole cannot exist and cannot be understood except in their relation to the whole.

Definition of holism

  1. the theory that the parts of any whole cannot exist and cannot be understood except in their relation to the whole
    • holism holds that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts
    • holistic theory has been applied to ecology and language and mental states

    Synonyms: holistic theory

    Opposite: atomism

    Type of: theory

    Related forms: holistic

Scrabble score: 11 (letter breakdown)

Word lists: words starting with HO · words ending in SM · 6-letter words

More about holism on Wikipedia.