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orenda

American  
[aw-ren-duh, oh-ren-] / ɔˈrɛn də, oʊˈrɛn- /

noun

  1. a supernatural force believed by the Iroquois Indians to be present, in varying degrees, in all objects or persons, and to be the spiritual force by which human accomplishment is attained or accounted for.


Etymology

Origin of orenda

1902; coined by U.S. ethnologist J.N.B. Hewitt from the supposed Huron cognate of Mohawk orę́˙naʔ inherent power (akin to karę́˙naʔ song; compare Seneca oęnǫʔ power, song with power, kaęnǫʔ song)

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The orenda of the rabbit controls the snow and fixes the depth to which it will fall.

From Darwin and Modern Science by Seward, A. C. (Albert Charles)

A man who hunts well has much and good orenda; the shy bird who escapes his snares has a fine orenda.

From Darwin and Modern Science by Seward, A. C. (Albert Charles)

The world of mana, orenda, brahman is a world of feeling, desiring, willing, acting.

From Darwin and Modern Science by Seward, A. C. (Albert Charles)

This notion of orenda, a sort of pan-vitalism, is more fluid than animism, and probably precedes it.

From Darwin and Modern Science by Seward, A. C. (Albert Charles)

When you yourself are in a rage, great is your orenda.

From Darwin and Modern Science by Seward, A. C. (Albert Charles)

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