/nach"euhr euh liz'euhm, nach"reuh-/ , n.
1. Literature.
a. a manner or technique of treating subject matter that presents, through volume of detail, a deterministic view of human life and actions.
b. a deterministic theory of writing in which it is held that a writer should adopt an objective view toward the material written about, be free of preconceived ideas as to form and content, and represent with clinical accuracy and frankness the details of life. Cf. realism (def. 4b).
c. a representation of natural appearances or natural patterns of speech, manner, etc., in a work of fiction.
d. the depiction of the physical environment, esp. landscape or the rural environment.
2. (in a work of art) treatment of forms, colors, space, etc., as they appear or might appear in nature. Cf. idealism (def. 4), realism (def. 3a).
3. action arising from or based on natural instincts and desires alone.
4. Philos.
a. the view of the world that takes account only of natural elements and forces, excluding the supernatural or spiritual.
b. the belief that all phenomena are covered by laws of science and that all teleological explanations are therefore without value.
5. Theol.
a. the doctrine that all religious truth is derived from a study of natural processes and not from revelation.
b. the doctrine that natural religion is sufficient for salvation.
6. adherence or attachment to what is natural.
[ 1635-45; NATURAL + -ISM ]