reductionism

[ ri-duhk-shuh-niz-uhm ]

noun

1. the theory that every complex phenomenon, especially in biology or psychology, can be explained by analyzing the simplest, most basic physical mechanisms that are in operation during the phenomenon.
2. the practice of simplifying a complex idea, issue, condition, or the like, especially to the point of minimizing, obscuring, or distorting it.

reductionism

/ rɪˈdʌkʃəˌnɪzəm /

noun

1. the analysis of complex things, data, etc, into less complex constituents
2. derogatory.
   any theory or method that holds that a complex idea, system, etc, can be completely understood in terms of its simpler parts or components

Derived Forms

• reˌductionˈistic, adjective
• reˈductionist, nounadjective

Other Words From

• re·duc·tion·ist noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of reductionism¹

First recorded in 1940–45; reduction + -ism