vital force (redirected from élan vital)

force (fors) energy or power; that which originates or arrests motion. Symbol F.

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electromotive force  that which causes a flow of electricity from one place to another, giving rise to an electric current. Abbreviated EMF. Symbol E.

occlusal force  the force exerted on opposing teeth when the jaws are brought into approximation.

reserve force  energy above that required for normal functioning; in the heart, the power that will take care of the additional circulatory burden imposed by exertion.

van der Waals forces  the relatively weak, short-range forces of attraction existing between atoms and molecules and arising from brief shifts of orbital electrons; it results in the attraction of nonpolar organic compounds to each other.

vital force  the energy that characterizes a living organism; most systems of complementary medicine seek to affect or use it.

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vital force,

n the bioenergetic aspect of living things. Some assert that qi, acupuncture, and homeopathic remedies work on this level instead of at the gross physical level.