vitalism
UK/'vaitlizm/US
TOEFLB2
Definitions
n.
The theory that life is driven by a special non-physical vital force
生机论，活力论
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedvitallive, life
+
-ismrelating to, having the nature of
=vitalism
vital + -ism (doctrine) = the doctrine that living things contain a special 'life force' beyond physics and chemistry. A historical idea in biology, now largely rejected.
Example Sentences
- 1.
Nineteenth-century vitalism held that life could not be explained by chemistry alone.