entelechy

Definition of Entelechy in English :

1. entelechy

(Aristotle) the state of something that is fully realized; actuality as opposed to potentiality

WordNet Lexical Database for English. Princeton University. 2010.

Entelechy

noun plural -chies metaphysics

1.

(in the philosophy of Aristotle) actuality as opposed to potentiality

2.

(in the system of Leibnitz) the soul or principle of perfection of an object or person; a monad or basic constituent

3.

something that contains or realizes a final cause, esp the vital force thought to direct the life of an organism

nounWord forms: plural enˈtelechies

1.

in Aristotelian philosophy, the actualization of potentiality or of essence

2.

in vitalism, the inherent force which controls and directs the activities and development of a living being

n. pl. en·tel·e·chies

1. In the philosophy of Aristotle, the actualization of the potential form or function of a substance.

2. In some philosophical systems, a vital force that directs an organism toward self-fulfillment.