BOTTOM-UP

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does bottom-up mean? 

• BOTTOM-UP (adjective)
  The adjective BOTTOM-UP has 1 sense:

1. of an approach to a problem that begins with details and works up to the highest conceptual level

  Familiarity information: BOTTOM-UP used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• BOTTOM-UP (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Of an approach to a problem that begins with details and works up to the highest conceptual level

Context example:

a bottom-up model of the reading process

Antonym:

top-down (of an approach to a problem that begins at the highest conceptual level and works down to the details)

 Context examples 

Includes R&D and integration of ultra-miniaturized top-down processes and increasingly complex bottom-up or self-assembly processes.

(Nanomanufacturing, NCI Thesaurus)