WordNet
corpuscular theory of light
n. (physics) the theory that light is transmitted as a stream of particles [syn: corpuscular theory] [ant: wave theory, wave theory]
Wikipedia
Corpuscular theory of light
In optics, the corpuscular theory of light, arguably set forward by Pierre Gassendi and Thomas Hobbes, states that light is made up of small discrete particles called " corpuscles" (little particles) which travel in a straight line with a finite velocity and possess impetus. This was based on an alternate description of atomism of the time period. And it is supported by Planks Quantum Theory of Light.
Usage examples of "corpuscular theory of light".
Concepts once abandoned, like the corpuscular theory of light or the transmutability of the elements, have to be looked at again, centuries later.