vitalism

noun vi·tal·ism \ ˈvī-tə-ˌli-zəm \

Definition of vitalism

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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vitalist

play \ˈvī-tə-list\ noun or adjective

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vitalistic

play \ˌvī-tə-ˈli-stik\ adjective

Recent Examples of vitalism from the Web

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, "Kathryn Bigelow Does the Wrong Thing in Detroit," 4 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vitalism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of vitalism

1822

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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Medical Dictionary

vitalism

noun vi·tal·ism \ ˈvīt-ᵊl-ˌiz-əm \

medical Definition of vitalism

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