vitalism
the doctrine that phenomena are only partly controlled by mechanical forces, and are in some measure self-determining.: Compare dynamism (def. 1), mechanism (def. 8).
Biology. a doctrine that ascribes the functions of a living organism to a vital principle distinct from chemical and physical forces.
Origin of vitalism
1Other words from vitalism
- vi·tal·ist, noun, adjective
- vi·tal·is·tic, adjective
- vi·tal·is·ti·cal·ly, adverb
Words Nearby vitalism
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use vitalism in a sentence
This modern vitalism comprises two essentially different tendencies.
The Wonders of Life | Ernst HaeckelOnce 'mechanism' and 'vitalism' were mutually contradictory theories regarding the ultimate constitution of living bodies.
This vitalism prevailed until about the middle of the nineteenth century.
Now, in Spencer, evolution gave us a vitalist mechanic or mechanical vitalism, and the appeal seemed cut off.
Evolution in Modern Thought | Ernst HaeckelIn this way physiology of development would lead us straight on into vitalism.
British Dictionary definitions for vitalism
/ (ˈvaɪtəˌlɪzəm) /
Derived forms of vitalism
- vitalist, noun, adjective
- vitalistic, adjective
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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