entelechy noun. [ɛn'tɛlǝki, ɪn-] LME.
[Late Latin entelechia from Greek entelekheia, formed as EN-² + telei, dat. of telos end, perfection + ekhein be in a (certain) state: see -Y³.]
Philosophy.
1. In Aristotle's use: the condition in which a potentiality has become an actuality; spec. the essential nature or informing principle of a living thing; the soul. LME.
b. Biology. A supposed vital principle that guides the development and functioning of an organism. E20.

2. In Leibniz's use: a monad. L19.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲