teleonomy

noun

tel·​e·​on·​o·​my ˌte-lē-ˈä-nə-mē How to pronounce teleonomy (audio) ˌtē- How to pronounce teleonomy (audio)
: the quality of apparent purposefulness of structure or function in living organisms due to evolutionary adaptation
teleonomic
ˌte-lē-ə-ˈnä-mik How to pronounce teleonomy (audio) ˌtē- How to pronounce teleonomy (audio)
adjective

Word History

Etymology

teleo- (as in teleology) + -nomy

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of teleonomy was in 1958

Dictionary Entries Near teleonomy

teleomitosis

teleonomy

teleoptile

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Teleonomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/teleonomy. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

teleonomy

noun
te·​le·​on·​o·​my ˌtel-ē-ˈän-ə-mē How to pronounce teleonomy (audio) ˌtēl- How to pronounce teleonomy (audio)
plural teleonomies
: the quality of apparent purposefulness of structure or function in living organisms that derives from their evolutionary adaptation
teleonomic
ˌtel-ē-ə-ˈnäm-ik How to pronounce teleonomy (audio) ˌtēl- How to pronounce teleonomy (audio)
adjective
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