ENTELECHY


Meaning of ENTELECHY in English

en.ˈteləkē, ə̇n.- noun

( -es )

Etymology: Late Latin entelechia, from Greek entelecheia, probably from enteles echein to be complete (from enteles — neuter of entelēs complete, full — + echein to have) + -ia -y

1. in Aristotle

a. : the full realization of form-giving cause or energeia as contrasted with mere potential existence

b. : the form that actuates this realization

2.

a. in modern philosophy : something that contains or realizes an end or final cause

b. : a supposititious immanent but immaterial agency held by some vitalists to regulate or direct the vital processes of an organism especially toward the achievement of maturity — compare élan vital

Webster's New International English Dictionary.      Новый международный словарь английского языка Webster.