elan vital

é·lan vi·tal

[French 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 (elɑ̃ vital) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
n
Compare Bergsonism a creative principle held by Henri Bergson to be present in all organisms and responsible for evolution
 
[literally: vital impetus]

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a screen or mat covered with a dark material for shielding a camera lens from excess light or glare.
the offspring of a zebra and a donkey.
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