teleonomy

[ tel-ee-on-uh-mee, tee-lee‐ ]
/ ˌtɛl iˈɒn ə mi, ˌti li‐ /

noun

Biology. the principle that the body's structures and functions serve an overall purpose, as in assuring the survival of the organism.

Origin of teleonomy

1955–60; teleo- + -nomy

OTHER WORDS FROM teleonomy

tel·e·o·nom·ic [tel-ee-uh-nom-ik, tee-lee‐] /tɛl i əˈnɒm ɪk, ˌti li‐/, adjective