entelechy

en·tel·e·chy

noun \en-ˈte-lə-kē, in-\

plural en·tel·e·chies

Definition of ENTELECHY

1

: the actualization of form-giving cause as contrasted with potential existence

2

: a hypothetical agency not demonstrable by scientific methods that in some vitalist doctrines is considered an inherent regulating and directing force in the development and functioning of an organism

Origin of ENTELECHY

Late Latin entelechia, from Greek entelecheia, from entelēs complete (from en- ²en- + telos end) + echein to have — more at telos, scheme

First Known Use: 1593