Words most looked-up in dictionary? Holistic

holistic

həʊˈlɪstɪk,hɒ-/

adjective

PHILOSOPHY

1. characterized by the belief that the parts of something are intimately interconnected and explicable only by reference to the whole.

   • MEDICINE

     characterized by the treatment of the whole person, taking into account mental and social factors, rather than just the symptoms of a disease.

   Etymology: 1939, from holism + -istic. Holistic medicine first citation 1960. Related: Holistically

A classic example of a neologism that has crept from academic obscurity into the mainstream. Though proponents of holistic medicine claim the practice has roots in ancient Chinese philosophy, term first appeared in print during the year of President Kennedy's election. The flowering (!) of the New Age movement in late 1960s created increased an interest which has grown exponentially in recent years.

Holistic is often used to describe the aspiration to psychological well-being and is associated with positive feelings of 'inner harmony'. It has also become short-hand for 'rounded' or 'global' as in, We take an holistic view of education. 

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