[f. ATOM + -ISM.]
1. Atomic philosophy; the doctrine of the formation of all things from indivisible particles endued with gravity and motion.
1678. Cudworth, Intell. Syst., 16. This spurious and counterfeit atomism of his [Anaxagoras’].
1865. Q. Rev., Jan., 29. The Atomism of the philosopher of Abdera.
2. The doctrine of the action of individual atoms.
1836. Athenæum, No. 434. 142. Unstable atomism is to give to the Church and the State new solidity and unity.
1879. Baring-Gould, Germany, II. 260. He repudiated altogether Liberal atomism, the doctrine that all social and political economy must start from the individual.
