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

Fend Off Sciolism With This Word Of The Day Quiz

Are you the Cinderella of this week’s quiz? Test your memory on the words and definitions from March 23–29.

Question 1 of 7

schlep

to say or do hesitantly or awkwardly

to fold or wind around something

to carry; lug

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

Example sentences from the Web for manichean

Now that same Manichean worldview has led the neocons to support an Afghan surge.
How the Surge Hurts Israel|Peter Beinart|December 6, 2009|DAILY BEAST
Perhaps the Manichean in De Gourmont fabricated its revolting images.
Unicorns|James Huneker
In 491, the mother of the emperor Anastase, who was a Manichean, obtained the suspension of the laws enacted against them.
Pagan Origin of Partialist Doctrines|John Claudius Pitrat
The first religious persecutions had begun, in the slaying of the Manichean heretics at Orléans.
The Story of Rouen|Sir Theodore Andrea Cook

A Manichean composition in reality, it was mistaken for a Christian poem.
History of the Intellectual Development of Europe, Volume II (of 2)|John William Draper
We are going to make a party to hear this Manichean of poesy.
Life of Lord Byron, Vol. II|Thomas Moore