hylozoism

[hahy-luh-zoh-iz-uh m]

noun Philosophy.

the doctrine that matter is inseparable from life, which is a property of matter.

Origin of hylozoism

1670–80; hylo- + zo- (stem of Greek zōḗ) life + -ism

Related formshy·lo·zo·ic, adjectivehy·lo·zo·ist, nounhy·lo·zo·is·tic, adjectivehy·lo·zo·is·ti·cal·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for hylozoism

Historical Examples of hylozoism

For this we must substitute a simple mechanical causality in the sense of psycho-mechanical monism or hylozoism.
The Wonders of Life
Ernst Haeckel
Hylozoism is the doctrine that life and matter are inseparable.
The Christian Foundation, Or, Scientific and Religious Journal, Volume I, No. 11, November, 1880
Various
Now it is true that in his general belief Newton himself is not free from hylozoism.
The Approach to Philosophy
Ralph Barton Perry
So Hylozoism, ancient and modern, under whatever name you please to term it, breaks down.
The Christian Foundation, Or, Scientific and Religious Journal, Volume I, No. 11, November, 1880
Various

British Dictionary definitions for hylozoism

hylozoism

noun

the philosophical doctrine that life is one of the properties of matter

Derived Formshylozoic, adjectivehylozoist, nounhylozoistic, adjectivehylozoistically, adverb

Word Origin for hylozoism

C17: hylo- + Greek zōē life

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012