conation

noun

co·​na·​tion kō-ˈnā-shən 

: an inclination (such as an instinct, a drive, a wish, or a craving) to act purposefully : impulse sense 1

conative

ˈkō-nə-tiv 

ˈkä-

ˈkō-ˌnā-

adjective

Word History

Etymology

Latin conation-, conatio act of attempting, from conari to attempt — more at deacon

First Known Use

circa 1837, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

conation

noun

co·​na·​tion kō-ˈnā-shən 

: an inclination (as an instinct, a drive, a wish, or a craving) to act purposefully : impulse sense 2

conative

ˈkō-nət-iv, -ˌnāt-; ˈkän-ət- 

adjective