conatus

1 definition found

conatus - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Conatus \Co*na"tus\, n. [L., fr. conatus, p. p. of conari to
     attempt.]
     A natural tendency inherent in a body to develop itself; an
     attempt; an effort.
     [1913 Webster]
  
           What conatus could give prickles to the porcupine or
           hedgehog, or to the sheep its fleece?    --Paley.
     [1913 Webster]