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totem
[toh-tuhm]
noun
a natural object or an animate being, as an animal or bird, assumed as the emblem of a clan, family, or group.
an object or natural phenomenon that a family or descendant group considers themselves closely related to.
a representation of a natural object, animate being, etc., that serves as the distinctive mark or emblem of a clan, family, or group.
anything serving as a distinctive, often venerated, emblem or symbol.
totem
/ ˈtəʊtəm, təʊˈtɛmɪk /
noun
(in some societies, esp among North American Indians) an object, species of animal or plant, or natural phenomenon symbolizing a clan, family, etc, often having ritual associations
a representation of such an object
totem
An animal, plant, or other object in nature that has a special relationship to a person, family, or clan and serves as a sign for that person or group.
Other Word Forms
- totemic adjective
- subtotem noun
- totemically adverb
Word History and Origins
Origin of totem1
Word History and Origins
Origin of totem1
Idioms and Phrases
Example Sentences
The absentee totem, the one with the power to make all the major calls he pleases without having the responsibility of justifying them in any public forum.
“Spatial awareness is always bottom of the totem pole.”
“I was the low man on that totem pole,” Reid said.
The Stockport-born player emerged so quickly and came into a team struggling so often, he was almost a totem.
McTominay - Manchester United fans, look away now - has been the totem for the locals in Naples who sang his name in the streets as their team claimed the Serie A title.
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