1. The principle that an organism, or one of its actions, is not equal to merely the sum of its parts but must be perceived or studied as a whole. 2. The approach to the study of a psychological phenomenon through the analysis of a phenomenon as a complete entity in itself. Cf.:atomism. [G. holos, entire]
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ho·lism 'hō-.liz-əm n
1) a theory that the universe and esp. 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 holistic study or method of treatment
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hol·ism (hōlґiz-əm) [hol- + -ism] the theory that the determining factors in nature are organisms, which are wholes and not mechanisms and are irreducible, autonomous, and functionally greater than the sums of their parts.Medical dictionary. 2011.