reductionism
noun
re·duc·tion·ism
ri-ˈdək-shə-ˌni-zəm 
1
: explanation of complex life-science processes and phenomena in terms of the laws of physics and chemistry
also
: a theory or doctrine that complete reductionism is possible
2
: a procedure or theory that reduces complex data and phenomena to simple terms
Examples of reductionism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In more recent times, a different kind of reductionism has skewed Western understanding.
—
Sebastian Strangio, Foreign Affairs, 14 Apr. 2020
To me, this reductionism, along with the supposedly timeless reality of mathematics, meant that human experience could be overcome through a higher, more complete perspective.
—Adam Frank, The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2024
Kauffman has come to believe that reductionism can take us just so far.
—Adam Frank, Discover Magazine, 12 July 2023
Albrecht’s clock ambiguity and Smolin’s critiques of string theory expose chinks in the armor of reductionism.
—Adam Frank, Discover Magazine, 12 July 2023
See all Example Sentences for reductionism 
Sebastian Strangio, Foreign Affairs, 14 Apr. 2020
To me, this reductionism, along with the supposedly timeless reality of mathematics, meant that human experience could be overcome through a higher, more complete perspective.
—Adam Frank, The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2024
Kauffman has come to believe that reductionism can take us just so far.
—Adam Frank, Discover Magazine, 12 July 2023
Albrecht’s clock ambiguity and Smolin’s critiques of string theory expose chinks in the armor of reductionism.
—Adam Frank, Discover Magazine, 12 July 2023
See all Example Sentences for reductionism
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reductionism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Reductionism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reductionism. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
reductionism
noun
re·duc·tion·ism
ri-ˈdək-shə-ˌniz-əm
1
: the attempt to explain all biological processes by the same explanations (as by physical laws) that chemists and physicists use to interpret inanimate matter
also
: the theory that complete reductionism is possible
2
: a procedure or theory that reduces complex data or phenomena to simple terms
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