n. pl. en·tel·e·chies 1. In the philosophy of Aristotle, the actualization of the potential form or function of a substance. 2. In some philosophical systems, a vital force that directs an organism toward self-fulfillment. [Late Latin entelechīa, from Greek entelekheia : entelēs, complete (en-, in; see EN-2 + telos, completion; see kwel-1 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots) + ekhein, to have; see segh- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
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