vital principle

/ˌvaɪdl ˌprɪnsəpəl/
IPA guide

Other forms: vital principles

Definitions of vital principle
  1. noun
    a hypothetical force to which the functions and qualities peculiar to living things are sometimes ascribed
    synonyms: life principle
    see moresee less
    types:
    spirit
    the vital principle or animating force within living things
    psyche, soul
    the immaterial part of a person; the actuating cause of an individual life
    type of:
    causal agency, causal agent, cause
    any entity that produces an effect or is responsible for events or results
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘vital principle'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family