English Explanatory Dictionary

totem

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. Any natural object or living creature that serves as an emblem of a tribe, clan or family; the representation of such an object or creature.
  2. The clan whose kinship is defined in reference to such an object or creature.
  3. A symbol or personification.
  4. An arbitrarily chosen object serving as a reminder to check whether one is awake or not, to aid in having lucid dreams.
  5. A tall object resembling a totem pole.

Pronunciation

/ˈtoʊtəm/ /ˈtəʊtəm/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-totem.wav

Word forms

totem totems

Etymology

From Ojibwe (o)doodem(an).

Derived words

totemic totemical totemically totemism totemist totemistic totemistically totem kin totem pole totem stone totem tennis
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