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

Can You Remember Your Favorite Words Of The Day From March?

Even if you’re a habitué of Word of the Day, you haven’t seen our March words in these ways! Challenge yourself to our comprehensive quiz!

Question 1 of 15

What does "habitué" mean?

a person who is especially competent to pass critical judgments in an art, particularly one of the fine arts, or in matters of taste.

a frequent or habitual visitor to a place.

a lazy person who stays in bed long after the usual time for arising.

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