n. [ Gr. &unr_; adj., material, fr. &unr_; wood, matter. ] A philosopher who treats chiefly of matter; one who adopts or teaches hylism. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. (Biol.) A believer in the theory that the fundamental phenomena of life are to be explained upon purely chemical and physical principles; -- opposed to vitalist. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. (Biol.) A believer in the theory that the fundamental phenomena of life are to be explained upon purely chemical and physical principles; -- opposed to vitalist. [ 1913 Webster ]