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