élan vital

[Fr. ey-lahn vee-tal]

é·lan vi·tal

[Fr. ey-lahn vee-tal]
noun
(especially in Bergsonian philosophy) the creative force within an organism that is responsible for growth, change, and necessary or desirable adaptations.

Origin:
1905–10; < French: literally, vital ardor
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élan vital is always a great word to know.
So is bezoar. Does it mean:
a calculus or concretion found in the stomach or intestines of certain animals, esp. ruminants, formerly reputed to be an effective remedy for poison.
a screen or mat covered with a dark material for shielding a camera lens from excess light or glare.
Collins
World English Dictionary
élan vital (elɑ̃ vital)
 
n
Compare Bergsonism a creative principle held by Henri Bergson to be present in all organisms and responsible for evolution
 
[literally: vital impetus]

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
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Dictionary.com's 21st Century Lexicon
Main Entry:  élan vital1
Part of Speech:  n
Definition:  See life force
Dictionary.com's 21st Century Lexicon
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