totemism
[ toh-tuh-miz-uh m ]
/ ˈtoʊ təˌmɪz əm /
noun
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OTHER WORDS FROM totemism
to·tem·is·tic, adjectiveWords nearby totemism
tote board, tote box, tote road, totem, totem pole, totemism, totemist, totemite, totes, tother, toti-
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for totemism
British Dictionary definitions for totemism
totemism
/ (ˈtəʊtəˌmɪzəm) /
noun
the belief in kinship of groups or individuals having a common totem
the rituals, taboos, and other practices associated with such a belief
Derived forms of totemism
totemist, nountotemistic, adjectiveCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Cultural definitions for totemism
totemism
[ (toh-tuh-miz-uhm) ]
The belief that people are descended from animals, plants, and other natural objects. Symbols (see also symbol) of these natural ancestors, known as totems, are often associated with clans (groups of families tracing common descent). By representing desirable individual qualities (such as the swiftness of a deer) and helping to explain the mythical origin of the clan, totems reinforce clan identity and solidarity.
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.