entelechy (redirected from entelechies)

en·tel·e·chy  (n-tl-k)

n. pl. en·tel·e·chies

1. In the philosophy of Aristotle, the condition of a thing whose essence is fully realized; actuality.

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

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[Late Latin entelecha, from Greek entelekheia : entels, complete (en-, in; see en-² + telos, completion; see k^wel-¹ in Indo-European roots) + ekhein, to have; see segh- in Indo-European roots.]

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entelechy

Vitalism. a vital agent or force directing growth and life. Cf. teleology. — entelechial, adj.

See also: Philosophy

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

entelechy - (Aristotle) the state of something that is fully realized; actuality as opposed to potentiality metaphysics - the philosophical study of being and knowing Aristotle - one of the greatest of the ancient Athenian philosophers; pupil of Plato; teacher of Alexander the Great (384-322 BC) actuality - the state of actually existing objectively; "a hope that progressed from possibility to actuality"