Tendency

Tend"en*cy (?), n.; pl. Tendencies (#). [L. tendents, -entis, p. pr. of tendere: cf. F. tendance. See Tend to move.] Direction or course toward any place, object, effect, or result; drift; causal or efficient influence to bring about an effect or result.

Writings of this kind, if conducted with candor, have a more particular tendency to the good of their country.

In every experimental science, there is a tendency toward perfection.

Syn. -- Disposition; inclination; proneness; drift; scope; aim.