Mandaean

or Man·de·an

[ man-dee-uhn ]

noun

1. a member of an ancient Gnostic sect extant in Iraq.
2. the Aramaic language of the Mandaean sacred books.

adjective

1. of or relating to the Mandaeans.

Mandaean

/ mænˈdɪən /

noun

1. a member of a Gnostic sect of Iraq
2. the form of Aramaic used by this sect

adjective

1. of or relating to this sect

Derived Forms

• Manˈdaeanism, noun

Other Words From

• Man·daean·ism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of Mandaean¹

1870–75; < Mandaean mandayy ( ā ) Gnostics (literally, the knowing ones) + -an

Word History and Origins

Origin of Mandaean¹

C19: from Aramaic mandaya Gnostics, from mandā knowledge

Example Sentences

The chief depositaries of these Mandaean mysteries are the priests, who enjoy a high degree of power and social regard.

From Project Gutenberg