hylozoism

noun

hy·​lo·​zo·​ism ˌhī-lə-ˈzō-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce hylozoism (audio)
: a doctrine held especially by early Greek philosophers that all matter has life
hylozoist
ˌhī-lə-ˈzō-ist How to pronounce hylozoism (audio)
noun
hylozoistic
ˌhī-lə-zō-ˈi-stik How to pronounce hylozoism (audio)
adjective

Word History

Etymology

Greek hylē matter, literally, wood + zōos alive, living; akin to Greek zōē life — more at quick entry 1

First Known Use

1678, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hylozoism was in 1678

Dictionary Entries Near hylozoism

hylozoic

hylozoism

Hymans

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Hylozoism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hylozoism. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hylozoism

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