I read the word entelechy in a book and wasn't sure what it meant. So I looked it up.
Here's the oh-so-helpful definition from m-w.com:
1: the actualization of form-giving cause as contrasted with potential existence
2: a hypothetical agency not demonstrable by scientific methods that in some vitalist doctrines is considered an inherent regulating and directing force in the development and functioning of an organism
If I wrote like this in my dissertation, I think (hope) my professors would ask for a re-write.
Sounds like someone wanted to sound important! :)
Good grief. M-W.com has failed us miserably! Or maybe I'm just not smart enough to read the dictionary. A startling possibility. Sheesh. I'm going to go lie down. ;)
My gosh.... what were they thinking? That's a word I will never use. ha ha