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Definition of teleonomy in English:

teleonomy

noun

Biology

  • The property of living systems of being organized in such a way that their structures and processes tend towards the attainment of particular ends or outcomes.

    The term was introduced to avoid the imputation of purpose as an explanation of biological adaptation.

Pronunciation

teleonomy

/ˌtiːlɪˈɒnəmi/ /ˌtɛlɪˈɒnəmi/

Origin

1950s. From teleo- + -nomy.