Facultative
Fac"ul*ta*tive
(?), a. [L. facultas, -atis, faculty: cf. F. facultatif, G. fakultativ.] 1. Having relation to the grant or exercise faculty, or authority, privilege, license, or the like hence, optional; as, facultative enactments, or those which convey a faculty, or permission; the facultative referendum of Switzerland is one that is optional with the people and is necessary only when demanded by petition; facultative studies; -- opposed to obligatory and compulsory, and sometimes used with to.[Webster 1913 Suppl.]
2. Of such a character as to admit of existing under various forms or conditions, or of happening or not happening, or the like; specif.:
(Biol.) Having the power to live under different conditions; as, a
facultative parasite, a plant which is normally saprophytic, but which may exist wholly or in part as a parasite; -- opposed to
obligate.
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]
3. (Physiol.) Pertaining to a faculty or faculties.
In short, there is no facultative plurality in the mind; it is a single organ of true judgment for all purposes, cognitive or practical.J. Martineau.
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]
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