Hylomorphism
/ˌhaɪləˈmɔːrˌfɪzəm/noun
The philosophical theory that a physical substance is a compound of matter and form.
Did you know?The term was coined in modern philosophy from Greek roots, but the idea goes back to Aristotle, who treated form as something real enough to make a thing what it is.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
GR
hýlē (ὕλη)
“wood, timber; later, matter or stuff”
Ancient Greek
GR
morphḗ (μορφή)
“form, shape, outward appearance”
Late 19th Century
English
hylomorphism
“a philosophical term for the doctrine that matter and form together constitute substance”
Modern English
English
hylomorphism
“the theory that material things are composites of matter and form”
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