élan vital

n.
The vital force hypothesized by Henri Bergson as a source of efficient causation and evolution in nature. Also called life force.

[French : élan, ardor + vital, vital.]

noun

The vital principle or animating force within living beings: breath, divine spark, life force, psyche, soul, spirit, vital force, vitality. See body/spirit.

The life force. The term is used by Bergson to denote a mysterious force, unknown to natural science, that drives life; as such it has been generally discredited, due to the successes of the life sciences. See vitalism.

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The noun has one meaning:

Meaning #1: (biology) a hypothetical force (not physical or chemical) once thought by Henri Bergson to cause the evolution and development of organisms
  Synonyms: life force, vital force, vitality

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