the force that animates and perpetuates living beings and organisms.

(biology) a hypothetical force (not physical or chemical) once thought by Henri Bergson to cause the evolution and development of organisms[syn: life force ]

noun

animating force , elan vital , force of life , life force , living force , soul , spirit , vis vitae , vis vitalis , vital energy , vitality , vital principle , breath , divine spark , lan vital , psyche