physicalism

noun

phys·​i·​cal·​ism ˈfi-zi-kə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce physicalism (audio)
: a thesis that the descriptive terms of scientific language are reducible to terms which refer to spatiotemporal things or events or to their properties
physicalist noun or adjective
physicalistic adjective

Examples of physicalism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
By the 19th century, many scientists fully embraced materialism, also known as physicalism. Sigal Samuel, Vox, 4 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of physicalism was in 1931

Dictionary Entries Near physicalism

Cite this Entry

“Physicalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/physicalism. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on physicalism

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!