atomic theory
NounOpen English WordNet
Noun (2)
- a theory of the structure of the atomType of scientific theoryKinds Bohr theory, Rutherford atomPart of nuclear physics, atomic physics
- (chemistry) any theory in which all matter is composed of tiny discrete finite indivisible indestructible particles“the ancient Greek philosophers Democritus and Epicurus held atomic theories of the universe”Synonyms: atomismatomist theoryatomistic theoryOpposite holismType of theory
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Webster's Dictionary (1913)
Atomic theory
or the Doctrine of definite proportions Chemistry, teaches that chemical combinations take place between the supposed ultimate particles or atoms of bodies, in some simple ratio, as of one to one, two to three, or some other, always expressible in whole numbers.
From the entry Atomical.
Atomic theory, Binary theory
etc. See under Atomic, Binary, etc.
From the entry Theory.
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54