impellent

[ im-pel-uhnt ]

adjective

1. impelling:

   an impellent power; an impellent cause.

noun

1. something that impels; an impelling agency or force.

Word History and Origins

Origin of impellent¹

1610–20; < Latin impellent- (stem of impellēns ), present participle of impellere to set in motion. See impel, -ent

Example Sentences

Cleve, noting the smile, divined something of the 166 impellent thought behind that smile, and he grew uneasy.

From Project Gutenberg

Full of wrath, I kicked their fires out, with my impellent boots, and gave the order to inspan and to follow me at once.

From Project Gutenberg

This conception of thought as impellent—that is to say, as impelling bodily activity—is of absolutely fundamental importance.

From Project Gutenberg

Every thought carries with it the impellent energy to effect its realization.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• propulsive