the call of nature

: to speak in a loud distinct voice so as to be heard at a distance : shout

: to make a request or demand

: to utter a characteristic note or cry

: an act of calling with the voice : shout

: an imitation of the cry of a bird or other animal made to attract it

: an instrument used for calling

: the inherent character or basic constitution (see constitution 2) of a person or thing : essence

: disposition, temperament

: a creative and controlling force in the universe