zoomorphism

American

[zoh-uh-mawr-fiz-uhm] / ˌzoʊ əˈmɔr fɪz əm /

noun

zoomorphic representation, as in ornament.
zoomorphic conception, as of a deity.

zoomorphism British

/ ˌzəʊəˈmɔːfɪzəm /

noun

the conception or representation of deities in the form of animals
the use of animal forms or symbols in art, literature, etc

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

zoomorphic

adjective

Etymology

Origin of zoomorphism

First recorded in 1830–40; zoomorph(ic) + -ism

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Zoomorphism, the transformation of one animal species to another, was another parallel obsession.

From Washington Post • Jan. 6, 2022

The Abyssinian Zoomorphism is a no less important phenomenon, and shows itself a manner quite peculiar.

From The Black Death The Dancing Mania by Babington, B. G. (Benjamin Guy)

The Abyssinians have their Christian flagellants, and there exists among them a belief in a Zoomorphism, which presents a lively image of the lycanthropy of the Middle Ages.

From The Black Death The Dancing Mania by Babington, B. G. (Benjamin Guy)

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023