Main entry: atomic theory, atomism, atomist theory, atomistic theory
Definition: (chemistry) any theory in which all matter is composed of tiny discrete finite indivisible indestructible particles
Usage: the ancient Greek philosophers Democritus and Epicurus held atomic theories of the universe
Antonyms: holism, holistic theory
Definition: the theory that the parts of any whole cannot exist and cannot be understood except in their relation to the whole