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
Learn More About entelechy
Statistics for entelechy
Look-up Popularity
Cite this Entry
“Entelechy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entelechy. Accessed 17 Aug. 2022.
Style: MLA
MLA
Chicago
APA
Merriam-Webster
Chicago
APA
Merriam-Webster
Test Your Vocabulary
Odd Habits and Quirks
-
- Which of the following best describes an easily irritated person?
Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
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
-
Name That Animal: Volume 2
Can you tell a meerkat from a wombat?
Take the quiz
-
Fashionable Words
A vocab quiz with panache
Take the quiz
-
Name That Thing
Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question ...
Take the quiz
-
Spelling Bee Quiz
Can you outdo past winners of the National Spelli...
Take the quiz
Share entelechy
Time Traveler for entelechy
The first known use of entelechy was in 1593
See more words from the same year