vitalism

noun

vi·​tal·​ism ˈvī-tə-ˌli-zəm 

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

vitalist

ˈvī-tə-list 

noun or adjective

vitalistic

ˌvī-tə-ˈli-stik 

adjective

Examples of vitalism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That was vitalism, the idea that physics and chemistry were fine for inert matter, but anything alive was radically different. —Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 26 Oct. 2011

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

Word History

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

vitalism

noun

vi·​tal·​ism ˈvīt-ᵊl-ˌiz-əm 

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