co·na·tion  (kō-nā'shən)  n. Psychology The aspect of mental processes or behavior directed toward action or change and including impulse, desire, volition, and striving. [Latin cōnātiō, cōnātiōn-, effort, from cōnātus, past participle of cōnārī, to try.] co·na'tion·al, co'na·tive (kō'nə-tĭv, kŏn'ə-) adj. |