vitalism
noun
vi·tal·ism
ˈvī-tə-ˌli-zəm 
1
: a doctrine that the functions of a living organism are due to a vital principle distinct from physicochemical forces
2
: a doctrine that the processes of life are not explicable by the laws of physics and chemistry alone and that life is in some part self-determining
Examples of vitalism in a Sentence
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That was vitalism, the idea that physics and chemistry were fine for inert matter, but anything alive was radically different.
—
Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 26 Oct. 2011
During that Algiers Motel purgatory, the Motown vitalism (and its implied orgiastic decadence) is interrupted by a John Coltrane jazz record.
—Armond White, National Review, 4 Aug. 2017
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Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 26 Oct. 2011
During that Algiers Motel purgatory, the Motown vitalism (and its implied orgiastic decadence) is interrupted by a John Coltrane jazz record.
—Armond White, National Review, 4 Aug. 2017
Cite this Entry
“Vitalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vitalism. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
vitalism
noun
vi·tal·ism
ˈvīt-ᵊl-ˌiz-əm
1
: a doctrine that the functions of a living organism are due to a vital principle distinct from physicochemical forces
2
: a doctrine that the processes of life are not explicable by the laws of physics and chemistry alone and that life is in some part self-determining
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