reductionism

[ ri-duhk-shuh-niz-uh m ]
/ rɪˈdʌk ʃəˌnɪz əm /

noun

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.
the practice of simplifying a complex idea, issue, condition, or the like, especially to the point of minimizing, obscuring, or distorting it.

Origin of reductionism

First recorded in 1940–45; reduction + -ism

OTHER WORDS FROM reductionism

re·duc·tion·ist, noun, adjective re·duc·tion·is·tic, adjective

Words nearby reductionism

reduction formula, reduction mammaplasty, reduction of chromosomes, reduction potential, reduction ratio, reductionism, reductive, reductivism, reductor, redundancy, redundancy pay

British Dictionary definitions for reductionism

reductionism
/ (rɪˈdʌkʃəˌnɪzəm) /

noun

the analysis of complex things, data, etc, into less complex constituents
often 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 of reductionism

reductionist, noun, adjective reductionistic, adjective