teleonomy

[ tel-ee-on-uh-mee, tee-lee‐ ]

noun
  1. Biology. the principle that the body's structures and functions serve an overall purpose, as in assuring the survival of the organism.

Origin of teleonomy

1
1955–60; teleo- + -nomy

Other words from teleonomy

  • tel·e·o·nom·ic [tel-ee-uh-nom-ik, tee-lee‐], /tɛl i əˈnɒm ɪk, ˌti li‐/, adjective

Words Nearby teleonomy

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024