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 noun
hylozoistic 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

Cite this Entry

“Hylozoism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hylozoism. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on hylozoism

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!