seminal principle

American  

noun

Philosophy.

1. a potential, latent within an imperfect object, for attaining full development.

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Example Sentences

In the Commedia for the first time Christianity wholly revolutionizes Art, and becomes its seminal principle.

From Among My Books Second Series by Lowell, James Russell

The nation was saved and that seminal principle of mischief which from the birth of the Government had gradually but inevitably brought on the rebellion was totally eradicated.

From A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents Volume 6, part 2: Andrew Johnson by Richardson, James D. (James Daniel)

This was the first small seminal principle of the immense territorial acquisitions we have since made in India.

From The Works of the Right Honourable Edmund Burke, Vol. 09 (of 12) by Burke, Edmund

There are spirits in which it developes the seminal principle of life; there are others in which it prematurely hastens the consummation of irreparable decay.

From Sermons Preached at Brighton Third Series by Robertson, Frederick William

He has also erred in turning aside from the rich and manifold life of the emotions, for the emotions are not in themselves evil, they are the seminal principle of all virtue.

From Creed And Deed A Series of Discourses by Adler, Felix