vitalism

noun
vi·​tal·​ism | \ ˈvī-tə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce vitalism (audio) \

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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Other Words from vitalism

vitalist \ ˈvī-​tə-​list How to pronounce vitalist (audio) \ noun or adjective
vitalistic \ ˌvī-​tə-​ˈli-​stik How to pronounce vitalistic (audio) \ 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, "Kathryn Bigelow Does the Wrong Thing in Detroit," 4 Aug. 2017

First Known Use of vitalism

1822, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More Definitions for vitalism

vitalism

noun
vi·​tal·​ism | \ ˈvīt-ᵊl-ˌiz-əm How to pronounce vitalism (audio) \

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