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holism

The definition of holism is a theory suggesting that parts can only be understood in relation to the whole.

(noun)

An example of holism is a theory that believes you cannot break things down to study them, but instead that everything has to be understood in relation to the whole or the sum of its parts.

See holism in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

the view that an organic or integrated whole has an independent reality which cannot be understood simply through an understanding of its parts

Origin: hol(o)- + -ism

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holist noun

See holism in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

The theory that living matter or reality is made up of organic or unified wholes that are greater than the simple sum of their parts.
A holistic investigation or system of treatment.

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