Vaisheshika

noun

Vai·​she·​shi·​ka

variants or less commonly Vaisesika

vīˈshāshə̇kə,

-ˈsāsə̇-

plural -s

: an orthodox philosophical system in Hinduism distinguished by its atomic theory of cosmology

Word History

Etymology

Sanskrit vaiśeṣika distinction, distinct nature of the eternal substances, from viśeṣa distinction, from viśiṣyate it is distinguished, from vi apart, asunder + śiṣyate it is left

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!