heteronomous

[ het-uh-ron-uh-muhs ]

adjective

1. subject to or involving different laws.
2. pertaining to or characterized by heteronomy.
3. Biology. subject to different laws of growth or specialization.

heteronomous

/ ˌhɛtəˈrɒnɪməs /

adjective

1. See autonomous
   subject to an external law, rule, or authority Compare autonomous
2. (of the parts of an organism) differing in the manner of growth, development, or specialization
3. (in Kant's philosophy) directed to an end other than duty for its own sake Compare autonomous

Derived Forms

• ˌheterˈonomously, adverb
• ˌheterˈonomy, noun

Other Words From

• heter·ono·mous·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of heteronomous¹

First recorded in 1815–25; heteronom(y) + -ous

Example Sentences

An heteronomous becoming is to be traced back to the becoming of the cause which produces it.

From Project Gutenberg

Heteronomous: if two parts, compared with each other, are of different quality: differing in development or function.

From Project Gutenberg

Heteronomous, het-er-on′o-mus, adj. differentiated from a common type: subject to the rule of another.

From Project Gutenberg

The military system is of necessity heteronomous, while democracy must be autonomous.

From Project Gutenberg