First Known Use: circa 1837
Dictionary
conation
noun co·na·tion \kō-ˈnā-shən\
Definition of CONATION
: an inclination (as an instinct, a drive, a wish, or a craving) to act purposefully : impulse 3
— co·na·tive \ˈkō-nə-tiv, ˈkä-, ˈkō-ˌnā-\ adjective
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of CONATION
Latin conation-, conatio act of attempting, from conari to attempt — more at deacon
Medical Dictionary
conation
noun co·na·tion \kō-ˈnā-shən\
Medical Definition of CONATION
: an inclination (as an instinct, a drive, a wish, or a craving) to act purposefully : impulse 2
—co·na·tive \ˈkō-nət-iv, -ˌnāt-; ˈkän-ət-\ adjective
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: conational (adjective)Previous Word in the Dictionary: conariteAll Words Near: conation
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up conation? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).