: a theory that the universe and especially living nature is correctly seen in terms of interacting wholes (as of living organisms) that are more than the mere sum of elementary particles
2
: a study or method of treatment that is concerned with wholes or with complete systems : a holistic study or method of treatment
Recent Examples on the WebNo creature better exemplifies the holism of nature than freshwater eels. David Doubilet, National Geographic, 12 June 2019 If man comforts himself in realizable ideals, he will be drawn from individualism into a passive, Eastern holism. Sahil Handa, National Review, 4 June 2019 There's loads of omm-ing at this legendary house of holism. Dana Wood, Town & Country, 13 Mar. 2015 The cover of the first issue was an image of the earth — another sphere — taken from space, exemplifying its spirit of holism. Nikil Saval, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2016
Word History
Etymology
Greek hólos "whole, complete" + -ism — more at holo-
Note: Word coined by the statesman and philosopher Jan smuts in the book Holism and Evolution (1926).