- the theory that every complex phenomenon, especially in biology or psychology, can be explained by analyzing the simplest, most basic physical mechanisms that are in operation during the phenomenon.
- the practice of simplifying a complex idea, issue, condition, or the like, especially to the point of minimizing, obscuring, or distorting it.
- the analysis of complex things, data, etc, into less complex constituents
- any theory or method that holds that a complex idea, system, etc, can be completely understood in terms of its simpler parts or components
