D defs.my
Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913

Conatus

/kōnāʹtəs/ · Co·na·tus · IPA /koʊˈneɪ.təs/
01 n. A natural tendency inherent in a body to develop itself; an attempt; an effort.
  1. 1.
    A natural tendency inherent in a body to develop itself; an attempt; an effort.
    “What conatus could give prickles to the porcupine or hedgehog, or to the sheep its fleece?” — Paley.