Word Study
vitalism
CIDE DICTIONARY
vitalism, n.
The doctrine that all the functions of a living organism are due to an unknown vital principle distinct from all chemical and physical forces. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
vitalism, n. Biol. the doctrine that life originates in a vital principle distinct from chemical and other physical forces.
Derivative
vitalist n. vitalistic adj.
Etymology
F vitalisme or f. VITAL
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