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- DictionaryTo·tem/ˈtōdəm/
noun
- 1. a natural object or animal that is believed by a particular society to have spiritual significance and that is adopted by it as an emblem.
The meaning of TOTEM is an object (such as an animal or plant) serving as the emblem of a family or clan and often as a reminder of its ancestry; also : a usually carved or painted representation of such an object.
TOTEM definition: 1. an object that is respected by a group of people, especially for religious reasons: 2. an…. Learn more.
A totem (from Ojibwe: ᑑᑌᒼ or ᑑᑌᒻ doodem) is a spirit being, sacred object, or symbol that serves as an emblem of a group of people, such as a family, clan, lineage, or tribe, such as in the Anishinaabe clan system.
noun. a natural object or an animate being, as an animal or bird, assumed as the emblem of a clan, family, or group. an object or natural phenomenon that a family or descendant group considers themselves closely related to.
Totemism, system of belief in which humans are said to have kinship or a mystical relationship with a spirit-being, such as an animal or plant. The entity, or totem, is thought to interact with a given kin group or an individual and to serve as their emblem or symbol.
Totems are pictures — usually on badges or emblems — of animals or plants that represent a group of people, especially an extended family or clan. A totem could be a grizzly bear, oak tree, catfish, or just about any other living thing.
a person or thing that is thought of as a symbol of a particular quality or idea. The Hampden Park football stadium is a totem of Scottish identity. Definition of totem noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
An emblem representing a clan or other hereditary social unit, having the form of an animal or other natural object; the animal or natural object itself; a depiction or representation of this animal or object.
an animal or other natural object that is chosen and respected as a special symbol of a community or family, especially among Native Americans; an image of this animal, etc.
1. among some peoples, an animal or natural object considered as being ancestrally related to a given kin or descent group and taken as its symbol. 2. an image of this. 3. a symbol, esp. one held in high regard. Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 4th Edition.
