atomistic
adjective
at·om·is·tic ˌa-tə-ˈmi-stik 
1
: of or relating to atoms or atomism
2
: composed of many simple elements
also : characterized by or resulting from division into unconnected or antagonistic fragments
an atomistic society
atomistically
ˌa-tə-ˈmi-sti-k(ə-)lē
adverb 
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Fermi, Pasta and Ulam wanted to use their new problem-solving tool—computer simulation—to virtually zoom in on a system and observe atomistic interactions at the molecular level, with a realism that was not possible before. 
Virginia Grant, Scientific American, 29 Sep. 2021 But Nayfeh’s research resulted in a new form of silicon that exists between solid and atomistic states. David Lumb, Popular Mechanics, 9 Dec. 2020 By the Middle Ages, atomistic ideas had been mostly eclipsed by Aristotle’s theory that four principal elements—fire, earth, water, and air—combined to form the various objects in the universe. Neima Jahromi, The New Yorker, 27 Dec. 2019 Harding’s atomistic approach was at least in sync with the composer’s here. Joshua Kosman, San Francisco Chronicle, 13 Apr. 2018 Traditional polls are atomistic, focusing nearly entirely on characteristics and opinions of the individual respondent and aiming for a single target: Election Day. Andrew Gelman, Slate Magazine, 5 Sep. 2017 Atomistic individuals are linked to family—family now and their ancestors—along with friends and community and congregation. Bryan Walsh, Time, 7 Aug. 2017 See More
Virginia Grant, Scientific American, 29 Sep. 2021 But Nayfeh’s research resulted in a new form of silicon that exists between solid and atomistic states. David Lumb, Popular Mechanics, 9 Dec. 2020 By the Middle Ages, atomistic ideas had been mostly eclipsed by Aristotle’s theory that four principal elements—fire, earth, water, and air—combined to form the various objects in the universe. Neima Jahromi, The New Yorker, 27 Dec. 2019 Harding’s atomistic approach was at least in sync with the composer’s here. Joshua Kosman, San Francisco Chronicle, 13 Apr. 2018 Traditional polls are atomistic, focusing nearly entirely on characteristics and opinions of the individual respondent and aiming for a single target: Election Day. Andrew Gelman, Slate Magazine, 5 Sep. 2017 Atomistic individuals are linked to family—family now and their ancestors—along with friends and community and congregation. Bryan Walsh, Time, 7 Aug. 2017 See More Word History
First Known Use
1695, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Medical Definition
atomistic
adjective
at·om·is·tic ˌat-ə-ˈmis-tik
1
: of or relating to atoms or atomism
2
: considering the primary concern of psychology to be the content of consciousness or the succession of ideas or mental experiences rather than the integrated conscious self