teleology

== English == === Etymology === From Ancient Greek τέλος (télos, “purpose”), genitive τέλεος (téleos), and λόγος (lógos, “word, speech, discourse”). === Pronunciation === (UK) IPA(key): /ˌtiː.liˈɒ.lə.dʒi/ === Noun === teleology (countable and uncountable, plural teleologies) (philosophy) The study of the purpose or design of natural occurrences. (by extension) An instance of such a design or purpose, usually in natural phenomena. The use of a purpose or design rather than the laws of nature to explain an occurrence. ==== Related terms ==== ==== Translations ==== === See also === teleophobia