hylozoism

[hahy-luh-zoh-iz-uhm]

noun

Philosophy.

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

hylozoism

/ ˌhaɪləˈzəʊɪzəm /

noun

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

Other Word Forms

• hylozoic adjective
• hylozoist noun
• hylozoistic adjective
• hylozoistically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of hylozoism¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of hylozoism¹

C17: _hylo- + Greek zōē life

Example Sentences

Now would be a fine time to ask Siri or Alexa what the word “hylozoism” means, but you should obviously look it up in a dictionary instead.

Read more on Washington Post

The latest biological and embryological theories are invoked to help in the comment on the hylozoism of the seven sages and the mysticism of the early Christians.

Read more on Project Gutenberg

In particular it was possibly he who first combined the Atomic Theory with hylozoism; i. e. he conceived of the Atoms as possessing some rudimentary power of movement and therefore able to swerve slightly in their regular downward course.

Read more on Project Gutenberg

Hylozoism is the doctrine that life and matter are inseparable.

Read more on Project Gutenberg

So Hylozoism, ancient and modern, under whatever name you please to term it, breaks down.

Read more on Project Gutenberg