SINCE 1828
entelechy
noun
en·tel·e·chy
| \ en-ˈte-lə-kē
, in-\
, in-\
plural entelechies
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
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