theriomorphic

or the·ri·o·mor·phous

[ theer-ee-uh-mawr-fik ]

adjective

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

theriomorphic

/ ˌθɪərɪəʊˈmɔːfɪk /

adjective

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

Derived Forms

• ˈtherioˌmorph, noun

Other Words From

• theri·o·morph noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of theriomorphic¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of theriomorphic¹

C19: from Greek thēriomorphos, from thērion wild animal + morphē shape

Example Sentences

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

From Project Gutenberg

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 Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg