1 holism | Definition of holism

holism

noun
ho·​lism | \ ˈhō-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce holism (audio) \

Definition of holism

1 : a theory that the universe and especially living nature is correctly seen in terms of interacting wholes (as of living organisms) that are more than the mere sum of elementary particles
2 : a study or method of treatment that is concerned with wholes or with complete systems : a holistic study or method of treatment

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Other Words from holism

holist \ ˈhō-​list How to pronounce holist (audio) \ noun

Examples of holism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Boys’ [which comes to Amazon on Friday] poses a rich question, geared to our current era of social media and fame-a-holism. Michael Andor Brodeur, BostonGlobe.com, "The Weekender: ‘Once Upon a Time . . . in Hollywood,’ a love letter to Houston, and a farewell to ‘Orange’," 25 July 2019 No creature better exemplifies the holism of nature than freshwater eels. David Doubilet, National Geographic, "Life in the North Atlantic depends on this floating seaweed," 12 June 2019 If man comforts himself in realizable ideals, he will be drawn from individualism into a passive, Eastern holism. Sahil Handa, National Review, "Seeking a Way Out of Our Modern Malaise," 4 June 2019 There's loads of omm-ing at this legendary house of holism. Dana Wood, Town & Country, "7 Detox Destinations You Need To Visit," 13 Mar. 2015 The cover of the first issue was an image of the earth — another sphere — taken from space, exemplifying its spirit of holism. Nikil Saval, New York Times, "Google and Apple: the High-Tech Hippies of Silicon Valley," 28 Mar. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'holism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of holism

1926, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for holism

Greek hólos "whole, complete" + -ism — more at holo-

Note: Word coined by the statesman and philosopher Jan smuts in the book Holism and Evolution (1926).

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More Definitions for holism

holism

noun
ho·​lism | \ ˈhō-ˌliz-əm How to pronounce holism (audio) \

Medical Definition of holism

1 : a theory that the universe and especially living nature is correctly seen in terms of interacting wholes (as of living organisms) that are more than the mere sum of elementary particles
2 : a holistic study or method of treatment

More from Merriam-Webster on holism

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with holism

Britannica English: Translation of holism for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about holism