theriomorphic

American  

[theer-ee-uh-mawr-fik] / ˌθɪər i əˈmɔr fɪk /

Or theriomorphous

adjective

1. (of deities) thought of or represented as having the form of beasts.

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theriomorphic British  

/ ˌθɪərɪəʊˈmɔːfɪk /

adjective

1. (esp of a deity) possessing or depicted in the form of a beast

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Other Word Forms

• theriomorph
  noun

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Etymology

Origin of theriomorphic

1880–85; < Greek thēriómorph ( os ) beast-shaped ( thērío ( n ) wild beast + -morphos -morphous ) + -ic

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

theriomorphic

The process by which an anthropomorphic god or hero succeeds to the exploits of animals, of theriomorphic gods and heroes, is the most common in mythology, and is illustrated by actual practice in modern India. 

From Custom and Myth by Andrew Lang

It is not to be expected that many, if any, remains of a theriomorphic character should cling to a goddess so abstract as Aditi.

From Myth, Ritual And Religion, Vol. 2 (of 2) by Andrew Lang

The zoo-morphic or theriomorphic mythologies and creeds are nowhere more vivacious than in America.

From Myth, Ritual And Religion, Vol. 2 (of 2) by Andrew Lang

The Algonkins, however, thought otherwise, and the myth itself suggests a theriomorphic earth-maker.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 4 "Coquelin" to "Costume" by Various

If our theory of the evolution of gods is correct, we may expect to find in the myths of Indra traces of a theriomorphic character.

From Myth, Ritual And Religion, Vol. 2 (of 2) by Andrew Lang

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