dys·teleology
| \ "+ \
Definition of dysteleology
1
: absence of purpose in nature especially as manifested in rudimentary or nonfunctional structures
also
: the doctrine of purposelessness in nature — compare teleology
2a
: frustration or evasion of a normal functional end
b
: a vestigial organ
Keep scrolling for more
Test Your Vocabulary
The Exceptions Quiz III
-
- Which of these words does not mean "nonsense"?

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
Share dysteleology