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. --Addison.

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

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

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)