n.
Pronunciation: ri- ' d ə k-sh ə - ˌ ni-z ə m
Function: noun
Date: 1943
1 : explanation of complex life-science processes and phenomena in terms of the laws of physics and chemistry also : a theory or doctrine that complete reductionism is possible
2 : a procedure or theory that reduces complex data and phenomena to simple terms
– re · duc · tion · ist \ -sh( ə -)nist \ noun or adjective
– re · duc · tion · is · tic \ - ˌ d ə k-sh ə - ' nis-tik \ adjective