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

Other Words from vitalism Example Sentences Learn More About vitalism

Other Words from vitalism

vitalist \ ˈvī-tə-list

\ noun or adjective

vitalistic \ ˌvī-tə-ˈli-stik

\ adjective

Examples of vitalism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on 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, 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.

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Dictionary Entries Near vitalism

vital force

vitalism

vitality

Statistics for vitalism

Cite this Entry

“Vitalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vitalism. Accessed 23 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for vitalism

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