mythologem

American  

[mi-thol-uh-juhm] / mɪˈθɒl ə dʒəm /

noun

1. a basic theme, as of revenge, self-sacrifice, or betrayal, that is shared by cultures throughout the world.

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Etymology

Origin of mythologem

1880–85; < Greek mȳthológēma mythical narrative, equivalent to mȳthologē- (variant stem of mȳthologeîn to tell as a legend; see mytho-, logos) + -ma noun suffix

Example Sentences

The core of the mythologem is that, whatever would happen, the gods would never actually allow the extinction of the human race.

From Time • Mar. 27, 2014