Manichean

or Man·i·chae·an

[ man-i-kee-uh n ]
/ ˌmæn ɪˈki ən /

noun

Also Man·i·chee [man-i-kee] /ˈmæn ɪˌki/. an adherent of the dualistic religious system of Manes, a combination of Gnostic Christianity, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, and various other elements, with a basic doctrine of a conflict between light and dark, matter being regarded as dark and evil.

adjective

of or relating to the Manicheans or their doctrines.

QUIZZES

DO YOU KNOW THIS VOCABULARY FROM "THE HANDMAID'S TALE"?

"The Handmaid's Tale" was required reading for many of us in school. Everyone else has probably watched the very popular and addictive TV show. Do you remember this vocabulary from the book, and do you know what these terms mean?
Question 1 of 10
decorum
the act of or need for making up one's mind.
dignified propriety of behavior, speech, dress, etc.
a company of singers, especially an organized group employed in church service.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of Manichean

1300–50; Middle English Maniche (< Late Latin Manichaeus < Late Greek Manichaîos of Manes) + -an

OTHER WORDS FROM Manichean

Man·i·che·an·ism, Man·i·che·ism, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for manichaean

British Dictionary definitions for manichaean

Manichaean

Manichean

/ (ˌmænɪˈkiːən) /

adjective

of or relating to Manichaeism
mainly RC Church involving a radical dualism

noun

an adherent of Manichaeism
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